1-H.323 Clients

1. Make sure your client is plugged in and working.

2. Make sure you registered with the ESnet gatekeeper if you are using the ESnet H.323 MCU

Register Here (Step #2 and then, when approved, Step #3)

You will get an email confirmation immediately after submitting the form. If you are approved, you will get another email with all the information needed to register your client with ESnet.

3. Make sure you have PROPERLY configured your H.323 client with all the needed IP addresses, E.164 numbers, and H.323 numbers.

Update your ViewStation to version 7.2.4 or above.  Some people tell us that 7.5 is preferred.  But, 7.5 seems to be tricky to configure. 
-->Go here for additional advice on ViewStation 7.5 from a customer.
-->Go here for PolyCom documentation

If you have not correctly entered your E.164 number, you will not be allowed to use ESnet MCU resources.  If you get a "Network Error" indication when you try to call the MCU,  make sure your E.164 number is correct and you don't have a firewall/NAT issue.  

 NOTE: We are now automatically blocking invalid E.164 numbers.  Be sure that you have a valid, assigned, E.164 number and it is properly entered in your system.  If it is not, you may get a blinking GK icon on a ViewStation.  

ViaVideo version 3.0 can cause some problems.  If you are using Viavideo 3.0 go here for more information:  http://www.ecs.es.net/docs/adhoc/known_issues.htm

ViaVideo 5.0 is working fine on my computer.

4. Ping your client from a known good computer.

5. Call another H.323 client on your LAN.

If you are having problems, disable the GK fields and call the units using their IP addresses

6. Call another H.323 client off your LAN.

7. Call the Duke University "Copy Bird" (00111092058).  

You should see and hear yourself.  This is point-to-point so please stay on just long enough to test so others can call in.  If you get a busy signal...call back in a few minutes.  

If you are still having problems, it could be a firewall (see section 3 below)

2-LAN

1. Make sure your LAN consists of Category 5 or better wiring.

2. Make sure there is network connectivity to the network port you are plugged into.

3. Ping the system from a known good computer.

4. Make sure your network is using a 10/100 SWITCH rather than a shared 10meg shared HUB.

5. Check to make sure you are using the proper half duplex or full duplex configuration on your switch.  ViewStations talk 10/100 half duplex.

3-Firewalls and NATs

BASICS: H.323 uses ALL ports (UDP and TCP) in a random fashion, simply put, the only good firewall for H.323 communication is no firewall :-)

1. Expect to have lots of intermittent problems until you get this figured out.

HINT: Place your system outside of the firewall and make a test call.  If that works, then it is definitely a firewall issue.

2. Call to another H.323 system on your LAN.

If the E.164 numbers don't work try calling it direct with an IP address.

3. Configure your H.323 client to work with NATs and Firewalls (refer to your H.323 systems user manual).

Alternatively you can open up your firewall completely for our Gatekeeper and MCU....write to trouble@es.net asking for the IP addresses of these systems

4. Open the necessary TCP and UDP ports, specified in your H.323 client, in the firewall.

5. Call the Duke University "Copy Bird" (00111092058)

6. Work with your local Firewall experts until you can connect to "Copy Bird" or an ESnet MCU (88x, 85x, or 82x)

4-Router and WAN Connection

1. Make sure your router is capable of handling video traffic.

2. Make sure your network connection is not overloaded with other traffic.

3. Your WAN connection should be a T1 line or better.

4. If you are on DSL or cable you may need to initiate calls at 256 kbps or 128 kbps to achieve good results.  

5-Your Local ISP

1. Rest assured that your local public ISP is not yet capable of handling video traffic as well as ESnet or Internet 2.

2. Call your local ISP for assistance in troubleshooting bad video or audio quality.

3. Call another H.323 client on your LAN.

4. Call an H.323 client on your local ISP.

5. Call the Duke University "Copy Bird" (00111092058)

6 & 7-ESnet

1. After you have checked ALL OF THE ABOVE.

2. Write to trouble@es.net

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last update: 5/15/06