subject: How to block Skype? [print this page] 1. What is Skype?1. What is Skype?
Skype is asoftware application that allows users to makevoice calls over the Internet. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditionallandline telephones andmobile phones can be made for a fee using a debit-based user account system. Skype has also become popular for its additional features which includeinstant messaging,file transfer, andvideo conferencing. The network is operated by a company calledSkype Limited, headquartered inLuxembourg and partly owned byeBay.
Unlike other VoIP services, the Skype company does not run servers, but makes use of background processing on computers running Skype softwarethe original name proposed, Sky peer-to-peerreflects this.
Skype uses both TCP and UDP to communicate with dynamic ports, which makes it difficult to be blocked. For more details about skype protocol, please check:http://www.imfirewall.com/en/protocols/Skype.htm
2. How block Skype with Wfilter ?
WFilter makes it simple to block skype traffic in your network from a central server. However, because WFilter is a pass-by filtering product, it can only detect and block skype TCP traffic. So you also need to block UDP ports 1024-65534 in your router or firewall. For more information about "pass-by filtering", please check:http://blog.imfirewall.us/Whats+The+Difference+Between+Passby+Filtering+And+Passthrough+Filtering.aspx
(1) Add a blocking level and enable "Block Skype"
(2)Apply blocking level to computers you want to block.
