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GreeN19 · Jun 3, 2007, 06:18 PM

Hi, I just purchased my first mac, so I'm a bit new to its features and such, since all I've ever used is windows (which I'm quite good with).

I am having trouble with iChat. I can't send photos, start video, or send any files that matter. I understand that there seems to be an issue with this from doing some research, but have found no solutions.

I'm running off cable internet, using a wireless WRT54g Linksys router. I'm wireless of course since i have a macbook, and a PC is wired to the router. Anyways, any ideas on how to solve this problem through the router or iChat itself? I can receive photos from friends, but can't send any. I don't know alot about router settings so any detail is appreciated. I didn't know if I need to do some port forwarding or not.

Also, the pc wired to the router can't send files through AIM either, it just times out.

Thanks for any help!!

GreeN19 · Jun 6, 2007, 05:49 PM

So no one has ever had an issue like this???

Well I got pictures to work, but not video. Any suggestions?

Big Mac · Jun 6, 2007, 06:49 PM

If your PC is having a similar problem, it's not a Mac issue. It must be a router configuration issue.

ghporter · Jun 6, 2007, 06:53 PM

Welcome to the MacNN Forums!!!

This is either an application problem (iChat not working) or a networking problem. As Big Mac says, if you have the same problem with a different computer, then it CAN'T be your Mac. Therefore I'm moving this thread to the Networking forum where ports and router issues can be hammered out.

GreeN19 · Jun 6, 2007, 11:21 PM

Thanks for moving my thread, sorry.

Anyways, I updated my router's firmware, removed the checked box on block anon requests. That got me
to be able to send pictures. I can't initiate video. Any suggestions? If not, that's fine, there's a possibility it's on the other users end I guess...

krove · Jun 7, 2007, 09:08 AM

iChat AV: Compatible Network Routers

Using iChat AV with a firewall or NAT router

If you need help parsing out the language, post your questions!

peeb · Jun 7, 2007, 10:24 AM

I have the same problem with my linksys - I have to plug in wired to get video chat on iChat. Skype video works fine wireless.

ghporter · Jun 7, 2007, 03:57 PM

Interesting-iChat video works fine WIRED but NOT WIRELESS with the same router? Fascinating! I can't think of a way to specify one medium to have a different set of port firewall settings from another...

peeb · Jun 7, 2007, 04:00 PM

No, sorry - for me it works when I plug straight into my dsl modem, bypassing the router.

krove · Jun 7, 2007, 08:04 PM

In the past, I have seen odd ISP setups where the DSL modem acts as the DHCP server by default. Since most routers also act as DHCP servers out of the box, a sort of private network within a private network setup occurs. This would require über NAT traversal that iChat, as I have seen, just cannot handle.

ghporter · Jun 7, 2007, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by krove

In the past, I have seen odd ISP setups where the DSL modem acts as the DHCP server by default. Since most routers also act as DHCP servers out of the box, a sort of private network within a private network setup occurs. This would require über NAT traversal that iChat, as I have seen, just cannot handle.

That should affect BOTH wired and wireless. The OP's situation seems to be very local because it only affects the wireless connection. Now is this problem in the Mac or in the router? I'm thinking it's a configuration issue with the Mac at this point, but I don't know enough about iChat to be able to say.

peeb · Jun 7, 2007, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by ghporter

That should affect BOTH wired and wireless. The OP's situation seems to be very local because it only affects the wireless connection. Now is this problem in the Mac or in the router? I'm thinking it's a configuration issue with the Mac at this point, but I don't know enough about iChat to be able to say.

In my case, it's definitely the router. Skype handles it fine, which is one reason I use it over iChat. I think the OP should try connecting directly to the modem.

GreeN19 · Jun 8, 2007, 07:48 AM

I'm confused on why I could send pictures and other files, but not initiate video. Anyways, my router of course isn't on the list from the link above. It's a linksys, which you'd think they'd have a troubleshoot made up for one of the most popular routers.

I don't know how to open ports on a linksys, but I'm going to look through that link above again and give it a whirl I guess.

peeb · Jun 8, 2007, 09:58 AM

Yep - I'm sure it is a port issue. I played with mine for a while, but eventually ran out of time, and switched to Skype, which just works, for me, at least. It seems that there are clusters regionally and by business or sector who fix on one im/chat program.

ghporter · Jun 8, 2007, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by GreeN19

I don't know how to open ports on a linksys, but I'm going to look through that link above again and give it a whirl I guess.

On my wired Linksys, ports are under "Applications and Gaming." I have a separate Linksys wireless access point. The option should be pretty much similarly located on a wireless Linksys router.