Skype was one of the first Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, companies to use the Internet for telephony and communication functions. Skype works on computers and mobile devices. After downloading the Skype application, you can access all of the free and fee-based services Skype offers. Skype accesses the Internet on your computer or mobile device through a port.
Ports
A port is a path for data. A computers port is an electronic point that allows the computer to dock, send and receive information from one point to another over the Internet. The IP address assigned to your computer uses different ports, making it possible for different programs to send and receive information at the same time. The computer uses varied port ranges for different tasks and functions. The most commonly used ports range from zero to 1023.
Skype Ports
If you know the port range used by a specific program, you can prevent the use of that application by blocking the specific port range. Skype generally uses Transmission Control Protocol, or TCP, port 80. If your firewall does not allow outgoing TCP ports, you can also use port 443 for Skype. Port 80 is generally used by computers and mobile devices for regular Web surfing. If this port is open on your computer, you can use the Web browser on your computer or the Skype application to access Skype's network.
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol is a reliable method of data transmission over the Internet that uses an anchor point between the sending and receiving locations. The information arrives in the order it is sent. The only time the information will not arrive is if a break occurs in the transmission. For example, a break can occur if the computer loses the connection or you enter an invalid address in the Web browser. User Datagram Protocol, or UDP, does not require a connection because the computer sends the information to the destination regardless of the status of the destination. This means the computer cannot guarantee the arrival of the data, or what condition or order the data upon arrival at its destination.
Security Risks
The port you use on your computer to access a network can introduce malware, spyware and viruses into your computer. When a program uses a specific port, the computer remains open and can send and receive information through the open port. This makes the computer potentially vulnerable to attacks by programs written specifically to take advantage of open ports. You can stop your computer from using specific ports by blocking access through your computer's firewall.
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