Skype

Skype (www.skype.com) is a free Internet telephony product that uses peer-to-peer (P2P) networking protocols. This allows users to make free internet-based phone calls.

There are two main concerns with using Skype on the University network:

1. Skype uses excessive network resources.
2. The Skype User Agreement makes the user agree to provide services to Skype for resources owned by the University.  Individual users are not empowered to give such consent.

For more information on Network resources, please see the University policy on "Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources, Appendix A - Using Information Technology Resources Standards" where it states:

"Refrain from monopolizing systems, overloading systems or networks with excessive data, or wasting computer time, connect time, disk space, printer paper, manuals, or other resources."

Instances of Skype on the University network have been found to be the highest users of network resources. This is likely because the software can act as a Supernode. From the Skype privacy policy:

"A Supernode is a computer running Skype Software that has been automatically elevated to act as a hub. Supernodes may assist in helping other users to communicate or use the Skype Software efficiently. This may include the ability for your computer to help anonymously and securely facilitate communications between other users of the Skype software who, due to network and firewall constraints, cannot establish direct connections."

Therefore, running Skype means your system can (and probably will) participate in providing Voice over IP (VoIP - internet phone calls) services outside of your direction and control. You are also agreeing to provide services to Skype for resources owned by the University.  Individual users are not empowered to give such consent.

Because of these potential risks, other options are to use a different VoIP service or limit how you used Skype.

Before using Skype or another similar product, please communicate with your IT staff, and be sure to configure the software so that your computer and the University network will remain secure.

There are other free VoIP services (such as Free World Dialup ) that are relatively easy to use and have clients for Windows, OS X, and Linux. This does not represent an official recommendation by the University for this service.

To control how Skype works:

1. Only launch the application when you need to use it. If you are expecting an incoming call, coordinate it through other means. (e.g. email, instant messages, etc.)
2. Keep your calls to a reasonable length.
3. When the call is finished, turn the application OFF. Closing the Skype application window is not enough. On the Windows OS, the background application must be turned off as well.
• Look for an icon in your system tray (down by the clock) that looks something like this:
  
• To turn it off, right click on this icon and a menu is displayed:
  
• Choose quit.

Having Skype active only when in use will prevent it from becoming a supernode, and routing other phone calls and using excessive network resources.

Additional potential steps (for technical staff only)