Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) behind firewall

[arjen82]

Does anyone know of an easy way to use GCM (push message on Android for Gmail, Hangouts, etc.) behind a firewall?

The problem is not that companies want to block GCM, they are just unaware of the fact that their firewall is blocking it by default. GCM uses ports 5228, 5229 & 5230 which are almost always blocked on corporate networks. This means push messages don't come through. It also seriously screws with Hangouts (when I open the app random messages come though while others don't; this results in only being able to see parts of conversations).
Response from Google is to request the ports to be opened. This is not an option as I work as a consultant and move between clients. I can't get them all to open up the ports.

Google is seriously hampering the use of Android and Google services for professional use by using non-standard ports. I don't understand why they are not openly pushing for the ports to be opened by default or use standard ports (could also just be as a fallback if the preferred ports are blocked).
I can't use Hangouts professionally now (which I would prefer over Skype).

Posted via Android Central App

 

[ajpri]

My school blocks GCM, thinking about figuring out who to ask to change it. All thanks to the CIPA ( Children's Internet Protection Act) for that one. *my rant is over*

Posted via Android Central App on my Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (Android 4.2.2)

 

[yfan]

Why not simply disconnect your phone from your school's/corporate client's network and use your mobile data plan instead on your phone?

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[arjen82]

Three main reasons I want to work over wifi:

1) don't have an unlimited data plan
2) speed on wifi is usually better
3) wifi uses less battery than 3g/LTE

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[notmyaccount]

If you have a rooted phone, you can enable transparent proxying through the tor network via the Orbot app.
This will get you through the blocked ports but will probably drain the battery a little bit more, I haven't tested that extensively.
Might also reduce your internet speed, as it's going through the tor network, which isn't renowned for its speed.

Another solution would be to set up a vpn with a vpn provider you trust and connect through their service to the internet. Speed might be better this way but battery use might still be an issue.
Just my 2cents

 

[arjen82]

If you have a rooted phone, you can enable transparent proxying through the tor network via the Orbot app.
This will get you through the blocked ports but will probably drain the battery a little bit more, I haven't tested that extensively.
Might also reduce your internet speed, as it's going through the tor network, which isn't renowned for its speed.

Another solution would be to set up a vpn with a vpn provider you trust and connect through their service to the internet. Speed might be better this way but battery use might still be an issue.
Just my 2cents

Thanks, my phone is not rooted and I don't plan to do so. But I will look into the VPN option. I thought that it only redirected the ip adresses, not the ports.