Network Configuration

Although on most standard networks no configuration is needed, TJC Messenger does have several advanced options for special circumstances.

1.  The "Network Options" can be found in the "Options" menu at the top of the main window.  See figure 1.

figure 1. Network Options Dialog

The dialog consists of three options: "Multicast Address," "UDP Port," and "Time to Live."  A description of the options can be found below:

• Multicast Address - The multicast address that is used by the program for communication.  The default is "238.2.3.8."  It must be a valid class-D address in the range of 224.0.0.0 through 239.255.255.255.  The multicast address could be changed for two possible reasons.  The simplest reason for changing is if another program or service is using the same address, TJC Messenger can be changed.  The second is that two or more separate TJC Messenger networks could be set up on the same intranet by using different addresses. 
• UDP Port - This is the UDP port that will be used for both sending and receiving of messages.  The default is "14816."  It must be an unused port number in the range of 1 through 65535.  It can be used in the same manner as the Multicast Address, to solve conflicts with other programs, or to segment the communications network.  For TJC Messenger clients to communicate with each other, they must be on the same port and address.
• Time to Live - This is the Time to Live (TTL) for the network packets sent by TJC Messenger.  Simply, it is the number of routers it will pass through before dying.  Setting the Time to Live to the default of "1" results in a net effect of private communications, because no packets can leave the LAN that they are on.  If a larger network is desired, the Time To Live can be increased.

For more information on TJC Messenger, please call us at 636.282.7300 or contact us.