1. 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.peer-to-peerproxy serversInternetbandwidthCPU 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.Skype http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

2. Bandwidth and Proxy Server In computer networking and computer science, digital bandwidth or just bandwidth often refers to a data rate measured in bits/scomputer networkingcomputer sciencedata rate 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 serverscomputer networksserverclients http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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