One of the great things about Source-Connect is that you can take your iLok dongle with you, run Source-Connect on your laptop, and connect from anywhere you can find broadband internet. This page goes over some of the issues you should be aware of, and how to prepare ahead.
Before you go, download and install Source-Connect if you haven't done so already. Make sure you have Source-Connect working in your regular environment so you can check that the audio signal is clear and your computer is properly configured. You may need some time to set up Source-Connect at first, so we don't recommend downloading the software an hour before your session.
We highly recommend calling ahead to your hotel before you travel, and let them know that you wish to use Source-Connect. You may wish to email them our Network Configuration document or point them towards the Networking page.
Ask the hotel if they are able to put you on the DMZ (De-Militarized Zone) which is outside of their firewall network, or if they can give you a static IP and unfirewall the required UDP ports 6000-6001.
It makes a huge difference if the other side you are connecting to has properly configured their network and has been through the Certification process with Source Elements support. Where possible, ask the studio you are connecting to to verify that they have open ports, and everything is working smoothly for them in general well ahead of your session.
Source Elements can provide testing support, however we are only available during the day, and not on weekends. Where possible, try and test as early as possible.
Almost always, the trouble is with receiving a signal. This is because of firewalls or complicated router configurations. Fortunately, most of us who travel need to send the signal more than receive, so you can use Source-Connect to send your high-quality broadcast, and use IM, telephone or VOIP to communicate back with the studio. The studio you are connecting with will need to have a properly configured network for this to work.
Sometimes you can trick the network into receiving a signal. If you have Source-Connect Pro, try increasing the port number by 2, for example to 6002 or any number up to 65350 (as long as it's an even number). You could also try having the studio end purposefully using a port number which they know is not mapped - some types of routers can be 'tricked' this way into making a connection.