Skype Pros and Cons

• In peer-to-peer networking, a supernode works as one of that network's relayers and proxy servers, handling data flow and connections for other users. This usually requires a fairly fast Internet connection with a lot of bandwidth and a modest amount of CPU time, as a lot of data will invariably pass through the supernode and needs to be processed.

• Some peer-to-peer designs allow for the user to choose whether they ever want to be treated as supernodes; others do not. Skype by default is configured as a supernode, an issue that has caused controversy.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Bandwidth and Proxy Server

• In computer networking and computer science, digital bandwidth or just bandwidth often refers to a data rate measured in bits/s

• In computer networks, a proxy server is a server (a computer system or an application program) which services the requests of its clients by forwarding requests to other servers

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

SKYPE’S CONS

• The protocols and security used by Skype are unknown and at best “guessed” by those who investigate the client’s software.

• Concerns:• Target for hackers: Supposedly “totally secure” is like a

“prize” for those interested in refuting this.• Closed community: Skype does not use standard signalling

protocols and it is incompatible with other software.• Voice traffic: Is routed thorugh unknown machines on the

internet (supernodes). At this point Skype’s encrytion is “unbreakable” but this might change in the future.

SKYPE’S CONS• No peer review: Other encryption schemes, such as

AES, have been reviewed. Skype has not!• Rapid spread of malicious files: Skype users can only

talk to Skype users. Closed encryption and protocols may allow for the rapid spread of virus’ and other malicious content.

• Network security bypass: The ease with which Skype bypasses network security such as NAT and firewalls, is worrying to IT security experts [2]. Skype supernodes allow a new and different way into networks that hackers can take advantage of

SKYPE’S CONS• Inability to determine the atuthenticity of some

article on Skype, whether they be for or against: Rumors that Skype had been reverse engineered worried users.

• Lack of end-to-end service quality: Skype as other services which traverse the internet can not guarante high service quality, much less when the service crosses continents.

• Skype is not free: Although fares are competitive, they could go up.

SKYPE’S CONS

• Skype requires the internet to function: Other standards based software VoIP clients can communicate without access to the Internet, e.g. X-Lite.

SKYPE’S PROS• Easy to install and works without much configuration: Works

great for relatives living abroad that are not technically literate.• Works behind typical network security devices: e.g. firewalls,

NAT. Users in coroporate network do not need IT staff to configure anyhting for Skype to work.

• Call quality is stated to be superior to other computer based VoIP software clients: An IEEE technical article states that Skype has no better call quality than MSN Messenger.

• Large community: Friends and family are propmot to join.• Popularity: People know it works well!

• http://information.anu.edu.au/daisy/infoservices/945.html