University Policy Requirements - Preventing Skype Supernodes

ANU Policies on Acceptable Use of the Information Infrastructure and Network Access provide, in part, direction to users which satisfy the University’s contractual obligations with its Internet Service Provider, AARNet Pty Ltd. AARNet only allows research and educational users and organisations to connect to its network. The ANU has a contractually identified set of third party users that are permitted to access AARNet via the University’s network.

The standard implementation of Skype on a personal computer is specifically designed to enable that computer to process not only the user’s voice calls but also any other Skype users’ voice calls from anywhere around the world. Skype is a distributed peer-to-peer Internet application with no central call processing server farms. It relies on Skype users becoming Skype supernodes to undertake a share of call processing and traffic routing. In particular, fast PCs with broadband Internet access are targeted to become supernodes. The University’s Internet access bandwidth is 1Gbps and desktop machines typically have 100Mbps network connectivity (see Summary of Skype URL).

Specifically, the University will not allow third party Skype users to make use of the University’s network for Skype call processing and traffic routing. Therefore, any Skype user within the University Community must take active steps to prevent their computers from becoming Skype supernodes.

If you have contacted your LITSS and you have been informed by them that
your local area is protected from Skype supernodes, and you wish to proceed
with the Skype installation then you MUST follow these instructions

Return to skype policy home page