The methodology implemented by many ISPs, and under consideration by many others, is to block Port 25 traffic. This implies that outgoing email traffic will either need to go out through the ISP’s email server or it will be blocked. Therefore, members of the FDU community using an email client such as Outlook or Pegasus Mail, configured to use the FDU mail server for incoming and outgoing mail, will be unable to send mail using their ISP’s connection.

There are three methodologies that can be implemented to alleviate the difficulties in accessing email if an ISP has blocked Port 25 traffic:

Users can access E-mail using the Webmail interface, accessible from any web browser. Using the Webmail interface provides a direct connection to the FDU email server and bypasses Port 25 traffic blocking. The Webmail interface can be accessed from any browser, is ISP independent, and offers the most ubiquitous service.
Users can implement a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection between their computer and the FDU network. This methodology offers secure remote access to university network resources and the Internet. However, this does require the installation and configuration of VPN client software on a user’s computer.
Users can create additional email client configurations that will access email using different incoming and outgoing email servers, depending upon user location. For example, Outlook can be configured to have two or more client configurations. One configuration might be used when the user is logged onto the FDU network while on campus, and another might be used when the user is at home using an ISP. Each configuration will be set up to use the correct incoming and outgoing email servers.
Detailed information regarding establishing a VPN connection, or creating additional email client profiles, can be found at following URL.

How to download and install VPN software for Windows 2000/XP/Vista
How to configure Outlook Express to use my home ISP Outgoing mail server
How to configure Outlook 2002 to use my home ISP Outgoing mail server
How to configure Outlook 2003 to use my home ISP Outgoing mail server

Additionally, users may contact the University Technical Assistance Center (UTAC) at extension 8822 for guidance and support. The UTAC is available 24x7 to assist you.

It should be noted that Port 25 blocking is implemented by ISPs and not FDU. In response, the technical teams at FDU will continue to monitor industry trending and offer up proactive measures to minimize disruption to important services.