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headbirth · Sep 22, 2004, 02:35 PM

Is there some reason my mail can't be sent (smtp) when I'm connected via a wi-fi connection? Do I need permission from the wi-fi owner? or is it a setting I'm missing?

philm · Sep 22, 2004, 02:46 PM

If you are sure you have a satisfactory internet connection (i.e. you can browse the web or do something else like that) then the most likely reason is that you are not authorised to use that SMTP server. Usually, you have to use the SMTP server of the company/service which is providing your internet access.

SSharon · Sep 22, 2004, 03:28 PM

As far as I know, philm is correct.
For example I go to univeristy and use Mail with my smtp server set as whatever my school told me to use (something like smtp.wam.umd.edu), but when I am at home or off campus and not connected via my school I can't use that smtp server. This is one of the advantages of a web based e-mail service (like gmail), you never have to worry about this. If you give more details someone here should be able to give you a workaround or something.

headbirth · Sep 23, 2004, 01:29 PM

I'm actually out-of-town visiting my sister and using her Linksys wireless with my airport card. For some reason I can't seem to send email only receive. I've also noticed this when connecting wirelessly at my local library.

philm · Sep 23, 2004, 03:01 PM

Exactly. Presumably your SMTP server in your mail program is set to smtp.myhomeinternetprovider.com. When you try and access that server from the library (with an IP address which is provided by the company your library uses for its Internet access), smtp.myhomeinternetprovider.com does not recognise you and refuses access. It's to stop spamming - you could be trying to send out 1000s of e-mails. You won't do this when you are at home because they know who you are.

Receiving e-mail is OK, browsing the web, iChat etc will be OK.

Options:

1. See what SMTP is for the library's Internet provider. You might be able to use it. Probably not.

2. Use a webmail service.

3. Set up your Mac to be its own SMTP server. This is easy and offers lots of flexibililty. Some Internet providers will not allow mail to be received if sent in this manner as your mail will fail in terms of reverse DNS lookup. In my experience, this is only the case for AOL but others might do the same. This was raised here.

4. Use a .Mac account. You can use smtp.mac.com from anywhere.