An Analysis of the Skype Protocol

zib writes "Ever felt a need to peek under the hood of your Skype client? This paper (PDF) explains all the details. Among other issues, it focuses on the NAT capabilities of Skype and audio compression."

Comments

Skype Banned

[Realistic_Dragon]

Do you really want to be running Skype or let it onto your network? At my university Skype has been banned. Here is the reasoning:

Skype Peer to Peer Telephony software is now also prohibited. Skype is a
free application that facilitates free telephone calls through the use of
an internet connection.

Calls made using the system are directed through 'Supernodes', which can be
ordinary PC's with Skype installed. Machines on fast and well connected
Internet feeds like the $Network are likely to automatically become
'Supernodes' and forward a considerable amount of traffic.

This allows Skype to route other peoples Voice over IP calls using your
machine and the university internet connection. This is in breach of the
Acceptable Use Policy and could potentially put the university's network
and core business at risk.

Finally, the Skype End User License Agreement (EULA) grants Skype permission
to install and use 3rd party software on computers running Skype. This could
include an array of spyware and adware that is likely to threaten the
privacy of anyone installing this software.