Skype uses peer-to-peer communications in order to allow users to find one another. Consequently, a small percentage of our users will hold a record reflecting the online presence of other users. When one user holds a record concerning the presence of other users, the former is called a "supernode", or directory node.
Even though the traffic sent to supernodes is negligible, some institutions are interested in preventing users on their network from becoming supernodes and, thereby, answering directory enquiries for other users.
There are several ways to prevent Skype from becoming a supernode:
◦Beginning with Skype 3.0, an explicit switch is provided in the registry settings to allow the disabling of supernode functionality.
◦Any computer hosted on a network that is behind a network address translation (NAT) device or restrictive firewall will disable supernode functionality.
◦Skype clients behind an HTTP or SOCKS5 proxy will not serve as supernodes.
Enterprises typically opt for using the registry setting technique for turning off supernode functionality, simply because it is very straightforward to deploy a Windows GPO that contains the appropriate registry key setting. However, universities often find this more problematic because the computers may not be owned or operated by the host institution, making it difficult or impossible to ensure that registry keys are set properly.
In these cases, it may be more useful to set up a SOCKS5 proxy. Skype can be configured to use a SOCKS5 proxy, regardless of whether the client finds itself on a network with a public IP address or on one with a private IP address.
While the use of a SOCKS5 proxy still requires manual intervention by the user, the use of a proxy allows the economical "shaping" of Skype traffic. It has the additional positive side-effect of reducing supernodes on the network, reducing false-positive intrusion prevention system alarms and allowing for accurate measurement of Skype usage on the proxied network.Jonners59 said:Hi Danny
I had turned off my Skype Gateway and Skype in general too and the sessions stopped straight away. I have just decided to try out your Reg solution. I have been searching Regedit for hours and can't find the entry to which you refer.
There are two types of Skype - I have since discovered - the Personal and the Business. I am guessing the entry you refer is for the Business as that has greater cointrol. I have downloaded it, but unsure about installing as it means rebuilding everything again no doubt.
Jonners59 said:Cheers Danny
I have had a go. This is my first Regedit, but I am not getting whjat I thought I might.
I used Regedit to find where the entry should be
I then created a file by right click and selecting "NEW" "key" and renaming it Skype.
I did the same again to craete "Phone".
Then within "Phone I right clicked and created "NEW" "DWORD (32-bit) value". I renamed it "DisableSupernode"
I believe that so far this is all correct - please confirm
Then I selected data and have tried to type 01... then tried 0.1 then tried 0 in 1st space followed by a 1 at the end... each time it states "(invalid DWORD (32-bit) value)" How should I enter {0,1}, please?
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