iCU2 Help Basics to Read First

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By admin in : Calls, QMs, Pal List // Jan 14 2010

You should be checking this information first if you have problems with “fetching directory”, receiving calls or having an active pal list.

Some people have the misconception that the only thing a firewall does is stop hackers from connecting to your computer and that a router (or any networking device) will seamlessly integrate into your existing setup. This is not the case. If you set a firewall (whether it be software or hardware based) incorrectly they’ll do more harm to your internet experience than they will do good.

If you are having problems with your Pal List not showing users online, or you cannot receive call (connect) requests, 99% of the time because of an incorrectly configured firewall or router. Hopefully the information about the most common firewalls in this FAQ will help you figure out where your specific problem is.

These are the things you should be checking for:

1: Windows 2000/XP/2003:

Make sure the built in firewall on these Operating Systems is either disabled or setup to allow your iCU2 access to the Port Range specified in iCU2’s Tools – Options – Ports.

2: Firewalls / Security software on your computer:

If you have any type of Security software on your computer, it will most likely have to be configured a certain way for iCU2 to work properly. Please check for firewalls on your system by going into Control Panel – Add/Remove Programs and look for anything that states “Firewall”, “Security”, “Zone Alarm”, “Outpost” or “Anti Virus”

3: Networking Devices:

If you have a Router/Hub/Switch connected to your computer, it has to be set up to send the Ports iCU2 requires to the local IP address of the computer that is using iCU2. Info on how to do this with certain Routers can be found at the links below:

If you find that there is no tutorial available for your particular Networking Device, please view http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm . This is an excellent resources for most Networking Devices and explains how to setup Port forwarding / Virtual Servers for them.

Some information regarding Ports and IP addresses:

By default iCU2 uses the Ports: TCP 2000 and TCP 2001 . These ports need to be directed to the local IP address of the computer using iCU2. For example, look on your iCU2 Program in Tools – Options – Ports. It should look similar to this:

Normal Ports – iCU2 Listens for connections on THIS COMPUTER at the following ports
Primary (TCP):2000 Secondary (TCP): 2001
Network / Router / Firewall Ports Routed to this computer
(IP Address: 192.168.1.xxx)
Primary (TCP):2000 Secondary (TCP):2001

This would be the setup for 1 computer or the first computer in your network.

If you have more than one computer using iCU2 and are connected to a Router/Hub/Switch. The second computer would need a unique port range setup for it. ie, the second computer could not use TCP 2000-2001 because the first computer is using them already. So you would have to manually change the Port numbers on the second (and subsequent) computer(s).

Each computer on your network has a unique IP address. Think of an IP address as a phone number. If your phone number ends with a 5, then phone again and replace the 5 with a 6, you will be talking to a different person.

This is the same with IP addresses. If the IP address on computer 1 is 192.168.1.100, you have to tell your networking device to route (also know as forward) TCP 2000-2001 to 192.168.1.100. If the IP address on computer 2 is 192.168.1.200 , you have to tell the networking device to send the ports you have set for computer 2, to 192.168.1.200

So, if you had two computers running iCU2, their iCU2 Tools – Options – Ports windows should look something like this:
Computer 1:

Normal Ports -iCU2 Listens for connections on THIS COMPUTER at the following ports
Primary (TCP): 2000 Secondary (TCP): 2001
Network / Router / Firewall Ports Routed to this computer
(IP Address: 192.168.1.100)
Primary (TCP): 2000 Secondary (TCP): 2001

Computer 2:

Normal Ports -iCU2 Listens for connections on THIS COMPUTER at the following ports
Primary (TCP): 2002 Secondary (TCP): 2003
Network / Router / Firewall Ports Routed to this computer
(IP Address: 192.168.1.200)
Primary (TCP): 2002 Secondary (TCP): 2003

4: Modems that have firewalls/routers built in:

More and more Modems (especially DSL modems) are coming onto the market that have firewalls or routers built into them. Alot of people don’t even realise their modem has these features or what to do with them.

Please remember that it is not iCU2’s responsibility to assist you in setting up your Firewall or Networking Device. We can provide you with the basic information. However, any problems you encounter or any questions you have should be directed at the manufacturer of that Firewall / Router. All fixes that you attempt are done at your own risk.

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