UC Davis Information & Educational Technology

Skype

NOTE: Skype is not supported by IET. Before using Skype or another similar product, please be sure to configure the software so that your computer and the campus network will remain secure.


What is Skype?

Skype (http://www.skype.com) is a P2P (peer-to-peer) application that provides voice-over-IP (VOIP) communication.

Skype provides an Internet service that enables users to communicate with others anywhere in the world for little or no cost. Rather than using a standard telephone service, the Skype service uses an encrypted Internet connection to connect Skype subscribers. If a subscriber calls a non-subscriber, or is called by a non-subscriber, the call is carried on conventional switched telephone lines for a portion of its path.

Skype may be used on the campus network with the settings described below. Skype can be a very economical way to communicate with friends and family, especially if you are talking mostly to other subscribers. It is not a replacement for a land line or a cell phone however, since it cannot be used for emergency calling.

How does Skype work?

Skype functions using a peer-to-peer network of computers connected to the Internet and linked by the Skype software. Calls are transmitted from computers running Skype through Skype-identified  (but not owned) “supernode”computers to other computers running Skype. The supernodes are subscriber-owned systems with fast Internet connections and fast, powerful CPUs. Skype relies on the willingness of its subscribers to participate in this distribution of resources to create efficient routing of traffic.

Using Skype on campus

As you think about how you (or your department) will use Skype on campus, please consider the following:

Emergency considerations

  • UC Davis policy PPM 390-10 (IIIC) states that “all campus emergencies must be promptly reported by dialing 9-1-1. Calls made from campus telephones will be automatically directed to the Fire/Police Communications Center for appropriate action." You cannot make emergency 9-1-1 calls using Skype; it is “not a replacement for your ordinary telephone.” (source: skype.com/getconnected/).
  • If legal documentation is needed (e.g., suicide, hostage situations), Skype provides an on-line call record for users. It is unclear whether or not this complies with campus record retention policy.

Financial considerations

  • Skype-to-Skype calls are free.
  • Using Skype to call either a conventional landline phone or a cell phone will result in applicable local toll call rates being applied to the call (530 area code = $0.02/min.; 916 area code = $0.03/min.; other US/Canada area codes = $0.07/min.). Using your campus landline telephone to call a campus Skype user also results in these local call rates being applied to the call.
  • You will be using any prepaid “Skype-minutes” if you use Skype on campus to call a colleague on campus.
  • Campus telephone numbers cannot be “ported” over to Skype. If you want to use Skype to call conventional landline phones or cell phones, you will need to obtain a new telephone number from Skype.

Support and convenience considerations

  • The quality of Skype calls depends on the Internet connection on both ends; it is often tolerable rather than acceptable.
  • If your Internet connection is lost, your Skype connection will also be lost.
  • During a power outage, your ability to originate and/or receive calls using Skype will be limited by the battery life of the computer you are using.
  • To call campus numbers using Skype, you need to dial the complete 10 digit number—you cannot make 5 digit calls (4-XXXX).
  • Campus voice mail boxes (including the ability to use EVM and forward voice mail to others) cannot be used with Skype.
  • Obtaining help from Skype is often difficult—there are no service level commitments regarding when service may be unavailable.
  • Local Skype support is handled by your departmental IT or desktop support staff rather than by IET Communications Resources or by the IT Express Computing Services Help Desk.

When you install the Skype application, your system may become a supernode if it meets the needs of the P2P network. In a university environment, supernode traffic is typically considered to be an inappropriate use of the resource. In recognition of this, Skype provides instructions for systems administrators on education-related networks to prevent systems located on campuses from becoming supernodes.

If you decide to become a Skype subscriber, it is important for you to configure and use the product as outlined below in order to prevent your system from becoming a supernode. UC Davis network bandwidth is a limited resource paid for with campus funds, and is provided in order to enable and enhance the business of the university. Supernode traffic has a negative impact on the campus network by saturating the connection with non-university traffic and slowing or preventing other users’ access to the Internet. This kind of impact is considered a violation of the UC Davis Acceptable Use Policy, so it is not only good for the campus as a whole, but for you as an individual to be mindful of how your system behaves on the network. If your system is detected behaving as a supernode, your network connection will be disabled. If you use the guidelines below, you should be able to use Skype without worrying about campus-related network issues.

Configuration guidelines to minimize Skype impact on the campus network

The following guidelines permit Skype’s full functionality without compromising the campus communications network or your ability to use Skype.

  • Use only the latest available version of Skype available for your computer’s operating system.
  • Adjust your Skype port setting to use port 36123.
  • Install and enable your firewall. Disable or delete Skype exceptions.
  • Always deny Skype exceptions to Firewall settings when a dialogue box appears asking to confirm this action.
  • Maintain your computer’s operating system updates.
  • Maintain your computer’s anti-virus definitions.
  • Talk freely and enjoy the benefits of using Skype in accordance with the UC Davis campus Electronic Communications Policy-Acceptable Use.
  • Sign out of Skype when you are not using it.

Privacy of your Skype calls

Given the peer-to-peer nature of Skype, your calls are routed through an unknown quantity of unsecured and unregulated computers. There is no guarantee that others will not eavesdrop on your communication. Skype does boast its secure 256-bit encryption which provides vastly more security than that used for secured Internet credit card transactions. However, it is important to note that Skype's encryption is disabled when a transmission moves from the Skype service to a standard phone service.

Questions

If you have any questions about these guidelines contact the IT Express Computing Services Help Desk at 530-754-HELP (4357). They are available Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. If you would like assistance implementing these guidelines (on a fee basis), please contact Desktop Enterprise Solutions at 530-757-8907.

Additional Resources