How to Connect Skype and Clearwire

The CEO of Clearwire is William Morrow.

Skype, a Voice over Internet Protocol service, requires unrestricted access to the Internet via specific ports on your network. Firewalls are network components designed to protect the network by restricting that access. Clearwire home modems have a built-in firewall that doesn't allow specific access for Skype. The Clearwire modem firewalls are either on or off, with no exceptions allowed. To safely connect Skype and Clearwire, you must disable the Clearwire firewall and use another firewall.

Instructions

1. Open a Web browser on a computer connected to the Clearwire modem. Type in the Internet Protocol address for the modem. For example, the Motorola Series M is located at "192.168.15.1" by default. Press "Enter."

2. Type in the password for the Clearwire modem; the Series M default password is "motorola." On the modem configuration page, click "Internet" from the options on the top left and then click "Firewall" from the tabs on the left side.

3. Click the box next to "Enable Firewall" to remove the check mark and then click "Apply" at the bottom of the window. The modem will take a few moments to restart. Skype will now have unrestricted access to the internet through your Clearwire modem.

Tips & Warnings

• Add Skype to the list of exceptions in your Firewall rules. To access the Windows firewall, click "Start" and then type "Firewall" and press "Enter." Click "Action" and then "New Rule." Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new rule allowing Skype unrestricted access to the Internet.

• Don't spend time on the Internet without a functional firewall. Enable the firewall in either your home router or on your computer to protect yourself. Windows has a firewall included and turned on by default.

References

• Skype Help: Skype and firewalls
• Clearwire: Clear Modem (Series M) User Guide

Resources

• Microsoft TechNet; Configuring Firewall Rules; February 2010