After installing a new router/firewall/proxy on our network, we start having problems sending/receiving emails, why?

Often times when a firewall, router, etc says it is plug and play compatible, it is not always the case.

What these device vendors don't tell you is that networking and online security requires a good understanding of TCP/IP (if the term sounds foreign to you, you shouldn't even try to set up a device mentioned here!) and principles of network security. The default set up (of these devices), often advertised as "plug and play" may give you "plug in frustration" instead!

The typical symptoms are the following:

• you can't connect to our mail servers anymore after the installation of your new device, OR
• you experience time out problems from time to time, OR
• you may be able to access POP accounts of yours elsewhere, but not your POP accounts on our servers, AND/OR
• the first connection always has a long delay, subsequent ones and mail retrieval themselves are fine.

In cases like this, you must check with the technical support of the vendor of your device to make sure your device configuration allows you

• to send mail via SMTP
• to retrieve mail via POP
• to use a public visible IP address from your ISP, a fixed one if you are using a full time connection such as DSL or cable.

Please also note, we do not manufacture, or use your hardware devices. The above is just a general guideline. The mere fact that you started experience problems only after you have installed your device is a clear sign that the device is not appropriately configued. If your device vendor can't assist you in the configuration, or your ISP can't help you in the aformentioned DNS mapping issue, we advise you to seek local help. Both your purchase and your local network implementation are beyond our control.

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