Ichat: 'no data received for 10 seconds' message and both users using macs

Question

my sister and i are both using macs. i have a desktop and she has a laptop. we used ichat several times with no problem. she's in cali, i'm in utah. then all of a sudden we started getting 'no data received for 10 seconds' error every time we try to chat. i've tried to find some answers on the boards, but all the explanations are over my head. i'm not a techie, so i needs things in simple, layman terms.
we're using AIM, and like i said, we're both on macs.
this is the error message the connection doctor gave me:
Chat ended with error -20
2007-04-04 22:23:38 -0600: No data has been received for the last 10 seconds.
Audio channel info: local machine using xxx.xxx.x.101:16388, expecting remote machine to send to xx.x.xx.xxx:16388
Video channel info: local machine using xxx.xxx.x.101:16388, expecting remote machine to send to xx.x.xx.xxx:16388
Chat ended with error -20
i would appreciate any assistance anyone can give me. thank you!

Answer 1

Hi Matt,
Item 1
Go to System Preference > Sharing > Firewall Tab
Is this On ?
If it is do you have a separate iChat Setting (Not the bonjour ichat preset) ?
If it is On then do the pic around the Second pic here http://www.ralphjohnsuk.dsl.pipex.com/page4.html#_ports
Item 2
Next go to System Preferences > Network
In here choose the Connection method from the second drop down.
The choose the TCP/IP tab
From the information you posted in the first post I suggest that reads "Using DHCP" in the drop down and then an IP of 192.168.1.101
Further down it lists the DNS servers and SubNet Mask
And the the "Router" IP
This "router" maybe a actual router or a modem that routes.
The number at the end of your log is suggestive of a Linksys device.
Info for you 1
Now if this a router we will also ned to know if the Modem is doing DHCP (You should not have two device doing this)
If the "router" IP is 192.168.1.1 then type this in to a we browser.
The Pop up will ask for a User ID and Password which for a Linksys are bith admin by defualt.
Info needed 1
If you get this far can you tells how this set up page says you are connected to the modem ?
Info needed 2
If it is a modem can you tells the same info ?
Either may say DHCP but we need to ascertain where that is coming from. A cable modem may be passing the DHCP IP given by your ISP and we would not have to worry about that.
Info for you 2
Now if the set up is Modem > Linsys > Computer I need you to find out the IP the modem is giving out or passsing on to see if it is a DHCP server.
Info needed 3
Can you connect the computer direct to the modem and repeat Item 2 please and tells that IP.
Item 3
If that IP is the same as when you go to this site http://myip.dk/ then the modem is doing pass through and all we have to do it make sure the Linksys device has the port open.
Summary.
1) You now should be able to tell and set the Ports in the Mac Firewall
2) You should be able to find out the IP your computer is getting from your router device (Same as the Log)
3) You should be able to access the router if it is a Linksys device.
4) You can tells us if the device is s router or a combined roter and Modem.
5) If there is a separate modem you will be able to tell if the IP is being passed through to the Router (when normally set up)
6) You will know what that IP is.
Please post back with the information I have asked for.
Also lets us know makes and models of any router and/or modem
10:18 PM Monday; April 9, 2007