Managing E-mail Exchange while Traveling

Author: Spencer J Casey

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:00:00 CST – As business persons travel across the country, they seek out Wi-Fi hotspots that offer free internet access. Hotspots can be found in airports, coffee shops, restaurants, motels, and public venues. Establishing an internet connection is critical in this day and age. Individuals need access to exchange e-mail, check the status of their next flight, communicate with the office, and even place internet-based telephone calls using programs such as Skype (www.skype.com).  One of the most frustrating challenges when negotiating various hot spots is sending and receiving messages using your e-mail client.

 
The Internet Assigned Names Authority designates unique port numbers to each internet application, such as e-mail, web browsing, and ftp services. In the case of e-mail exchange, port 25 is used for simple mail transfer (sending e-mail), and port 110 is post office protocol (receiving e-mail).  Both ports are critical when attempting to interact with your remote mail server.

Unfortunately, many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are now starting to block port 25, to eliminate and/or reduce spam on their respective networks. Large companies such as AT&T, Comcast, and Cox Communication are eliminating open port 25 usage. There primary goal is to thwart the transfer millions of spam message generated daily by slave computers that has been compromised by a hacker. At the same time, this creates unique challenges for business travelers, who hop from ISP to ISP while traveling across the country.

For the road warrior, there are a couple of solutions to consider:

1) Most e-mail hosting providers and companies provide their customers and/or employee’s access to e-mail via web browser.  By using “Webmail”, a user can access their e-mail account using port 80. This simple work around allows you to access your e-mail from almost anywhere in the world without encountering major issues.   Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to consider. Web-based e-mail exchange works well for those of us who travel infrequently. You can quickly login, check your messages, and communicate as if you were using your e-mail client. However, you often do not have access to archived messages, your personal calendar, or address lists that are embedded in your e-mail client.  Indirectly, you will find yourself opening your e-mail client on your laptop, searching for previous messages or e-mail addresses and then copying the information over to webmail. Or worse yet, not having that information with you, because it is on your desktop computer at home or work.

2) Another more complicated approach is to learn how to change your outgoing mail server information within your mail client. ISPs who block port 25, often allow users to communicate on alternate ports such as 587. It may also be possible to use a secure connection (SSL) using SMTP authentication. The best thing to do is to communicate with your mail hosting provider, and see what options are available to you. In most cases, you can configure your e-mail client to exchange mail on alternative ports with only a few minor adjustments.
Casey Designs – Web Hosting & Development offer business class e-mail services. Our philosophy is to provide reliable mail services with features that allow you to access your inbox via e-mail client, webmail, and/or your mobile phone.   We cater to the “road warrior”.  For as little as $35 per year you can have an e-mail account affiliated with the domain name of your choice. We will provide you with detailed instructions, setup guides, and video tutorials on how to configure your e-mail client or mobile phone to access our mail servers (visit our technical support to review our supporting materials). We can also provide secure SMTP authentication and will work hard to manage all your e-mail needs.

Communication should be simple... For more information on how to get started, please contact us today!
 

 

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