Slow upload speed?

[WayneMc]

Hi guys

I have noticed that in the last week, my file transfer speed via Windows Live Messenger has become rather slow lately. It's very slow downloading & uploading between myself and my contacts.

I did a Speedtest on www.speedtest.net and did a test.

Can anyone tell me if the upload/download speeds are good or bad?

Here's my test result:
https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2007/08/22.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

I am on 2MB broadband.

Thanks,
Wayne.

[southwell]

Their a bit low but it could be the server you tested on. At max i would expect the same kind of upload speed with 220kb/s download.

[WayneMc]

Hmmm, any suggestions on how to fix this? I don't fancy a call to CS lol

This is the latest test - good or bad?

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2007/08/19.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

[southwell]

Ok, to put it this way, theres nothing wrong with them, i wouldn't say you have a case to complain, it's pretty much spot on.

[WayneMc]

Ok, but any idea why file transfers in Windows Live Messenger (MSN) are slow? :confused:

[southwell]

Likely to be the firewall on the router. If you go into the router config page and to DMZ, put in your pc's ip and that will open the firewall for your pc, then try it. You will need a software firewall to replace it if it works.

[AbyssUnderground]

MSN transfers are always slow. Your upload is showing as normal so nothing wrong there. Firewalls and routers are the most common cause.

[WayneMc]

Thanks for the replies guys.

My router is showing the firewall as off, even I find the config pages confusing.

I have a D-Link DI-524. I have a screenshot of the firewall config, if this helps. See attached.

I did a little test, when the router is out of the equation and I am connected directly to the cable modem, the transfer in MSN is pretty fast.

Now, obviously it may be the router, but I am at a loss what to do as I find the config pages confusing. The firewall is off, which is why I am :confused:.

Many thanks.
Wayne.

[AbyssUnderground]

You'll need to find out on which port msn transfers run on and create a port forward to your pc for it. (sometimes this comes under virtual servers/gaming/applications).

[dev]

when sending a file, check what active connections there is, it's most likely going through ms's servers due to it detecting NAT and the necessary ports not forwarded. any transfers going through ms's servers are always at dial-up speeds

[southwell]

Try the DMZ bit, it worked on mine....

[AbyssUnderground]

Try the DMZ bit, it worked on mine....

This isnt a great idea as it leaves your computer open to attack on any port. Its best to use port forwarding and only forward the ports you require.

[southwell]

This isnt a great idea as it leaves your computer open to attack on any port. Its best to use port forwarding and only forward the ports you require.
Which is why in an earlier post i said replace it with a software firewall if you want to keep it.
Even if it's just to proof it's a port problem it's a good way to check these problems and go from there.

[WayneMc]

Thanks guys.

I'll have a go....how do I find out what ports I need to open for MSN?

[r00t]

netstat -a this should tell you :)