Skype not skyping

[340fly]

Perhaps someone can help. I'm not a computer boff. I can drive it but can't programme it. I am trying to use skype, but it has a very bad delay, and then drops the line. I presume that it is due to my internet connection, as everyone I speak to does not have the same problem. I have just done a speed test on Telkom site.

Download time: 6.67 seconds
Size of file: 500 KiloBytes
Estimated line speed: 611.7 (kilobits/second)
Estimated line speed: 75 (kiloBytes/second)

This does not seem too bad to me, but I'm not that clued up on these matters.

I downloaded version 1.3.0.66, and connect via Iburst. As far as I can assess, all my settings are windows XP default. I have thesame problem on my desktop as my laptop.

I use Trend Mico PC Cillin anti virus. Thats about all I can think of that might help.

[antowan]

Iburst latency will hurt VOIP. Tried it once and it is not lekker at all... Not much you can do I am affraid.

"VoIP gear will add about 80 to 90 milliseconds of one-way latency. If you make sure the network consistently adds no more than about 30 to 40 milliseconds (that's like cross-country propagation with a few high-speed router hops), and keep total one-way, end-to-end latency consistently under about 120 milliseconds, your VoIP experience should be okay."

I doubt you can get this done with iBurst.

[Roman4604]

I doubt you can get this done with iBurst.The real problem with iBurst is the jitter, that is the variation in latency (e.g. 70ms then 200ms then back down to 70ms etc.). VoIP hates jitter cause you recieve out of order packets.

I got ADSL uncapped over satellite at the office and it has a latency of ~700ms, but its quite steady (little jitter) and Skype & SIP work quite well over this.

[340fly]

Thanks folks, appreciate the help. I will try Telkom ADSL.

[GuRu]

Skype over iburst works just fine for me . Four times a week , run a conference call with little problems. main point is that all parties are running the same versions or you can have some problems such as one party cannot hear the other or disconnections. All my calls are to the UK and Australia.

[340fly]

I seem to have the problem even if I use Skype out. I am pritty sure that it is a latency problem. Do you know of any good computer boffs or companies that might be able to help me set this antenna up to get the best reception. The crowd that I bought my Iburst from is a dealer that seems to have less knowledge that myself. (If that is possible).

I just put the antenna in the roof and that was it!!

[Daveogg]

340fly, have you used iconnect to find your best signal strenght, latency? If not head over to the iburst section and have a look at the iconnect threads.
As for skype if you want to get a more objective look at your quality of connection try this.
To access skype connection details close skype and then go to
C:\Documents and Settings\"your windows username"\Application Data\Skype\"your skype username"\config.xml
open config.xml in notepad.
scroll down until you see:
<Messages>
<AuthPopup>0</AuthPopup>
Change the 0 to 1.
Save and close
Restart skype.
when you call place the cursor over the picture of the person.
The connection details will pop up.

The important things to look for are latency, packet loss and number of relays.

Skype on iburst is infinately better than adsl for me, unless i use nukecap vpn, then adsl wins.

[340fly]

Daveogg, thanks for the advice, but even that seems a little technical for me. due to my limited knowledge, I'm scared to change commas, dots, ones or zeros, for fear of having to try to explain to the computer repair guy what in gods name I did.

I had some very clever guys arround yesterday, and they say that I might be able to fix the problem with one of the locally designed antennae, which is very directional. Apparently my aerial picks up lots of stations, and then switches between them often. They seem confident that the difference will be very noticable.

I appreciate all the help from everyone.

[morebroadband]

340fly,

This locally made antenna works like a charm. Basically if you are sitting within range of a few different antennas, then you make pick up problems.

By using this directional antenna I have boosted my signal by 40%. I would recommend trying it, and if it improves your experience then purchase one

[340fly]

New antenna was installed yesterday. The internet still seems to be about the same, but the skype now works like a charm.