Setting the Windows Firewall to Enable Internet Streaming

With the introduction of Windows XP Service Pack 2, Microsoft threw a few wrinkles into our ability to stream audio and video content. The Windows Firewall now blocks virtually all Internet traffic to your XP system, unless you take steps to allow it.

General Firewall Settings

By default, the Windows Firewall is turned "On" and exceptions are enabled. This is appropriate, and protects your computer from certain forms of attack. To verify that it's on, double-click the Windows Firewall from your Control Panel.

Adding QuickTime Player (and other media players) to your Windows Firewall Exceptions

In order to allow an application on your computer to "poke through" the firewall, we must add it as an "Exception" in the Windows Firewall settings. For Internet streaming, you want to add QuickTime Player, Real Player, Windows Media Player and any other streaming media player you may wish to use.

Click the "Exceptions" tab, then click "Add Program…"

When the "Add a Program" dialog box shows up, scroll through the list until "QuickTime Player" (or another media player) is highlighted. Then click "OK."

QuickTime Player is now added as an "exception" and traffic will be allowed from this application.

Opening Ports used for Internet (RTSP) Streaming

In addition to allowing media players to communicate with the outside world, you might also want to "poke holes" through the firewall in order to allow certain traffic in. In the case of Internet streaming, you wan to enable the standard Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) ports, as well as the common Universal Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports used for streaming. This step isn't mandatory. Adding the player as an exception is typically all you need to do. But, this will virtually assure that you're able to watch any stream out there, no matter which player you use.

Click the "Add a Port" button. When the "Add a Port" dialog box appears, type in a meaningful name for this "firewall hole" then the port number, and whether this is a TCP or UDP connection.

Repeat for each of the other common ports.This table shows the common ports used for Internet streaming.

Name	Port Number	Type
RTSP	554	TCP
UDP Streaming	6970-6999	UDP

Note that you must repeat the steps above for each individual port number. You can't simply type a range, such as "6970-6999."

If you have any trouble, contact our Help Desk at 471-1199, option 1.