you need to open a route socks4 to gw2.ibllc.com port 4000 NAT translators do that, and other routers allow 'transparent' socks. If this is not supported by your office's router, it won't work until IB offers firewall support. Use the old version. Anyone using transparent socks [wingate proxy, nat translators, microsoft proxy etc..] is able to connect to TWS java on a network with the standard version.
rfoulk, I'am suprised to hear, that you can run the JTWS from behind a firewall and using NAT. I have tried it several times and it doesn't work on my office PC ( network, proxyserver, IE 5.0 , Win NT ) although the java runtime interface was installed correctly and works. With JTWS, I can enter my username and password, but any attempts to logon fail. "NoRoute to Host Exception" Error messages all the time. JTWS is not able to establish the "dedicated" connection required. BTW, I wasn't even able to use the old TWS on this office PC. Frustrating ! On my home PC, I have no problems at all with JTWS or TWS 3.0 both versions just work fine. I can access my datek account at any time , from office, from home, via their website or through QuoteTracker-software - it doesn't matter. It always works. I don't know what kind of problems IB has with enabling customers to access their accounts from behind a firewall or through a network but they say it has to do with security issues - same reason why my admin won't touch the firewall and internet-settings.
Thank you guys for replying. I have a csco 678 router. I was tolsd last night in my chatroom that a Linksys BEFSR41 will work with very little problem. cost = 159.00. I am about ready to try it as I am not good at figuring out something like this. The old version works in demo mode but I don't know yet how to set it up to work with my account. Do I need to reinstall it ? Waht does NAT stand for? Thank you Kurtiscat
I have been using IB for the past 6 months and must say that I am satisfied. As always there is much room for improvement but i believe that this will come with time. As for problems, show me a broker out there that do not at times have software glitches, and other problems. IB might not be for everyone but those who use it I'm sure got tired of paying $19.95 to trade 100 shrs. I recognize its limitations and try to act accordingly. A pity it was not around when I started trading, think of how much I could have saved in commissions. I recommend it to newer traders who feel the need to papertrade. This is the perfect platform to put some money on the line without risking too much.
I have a lot of questions that may be a little off topic here but it concerns IB since it's in their registration process: What is the Form W-9 in IB's registration process? I figured the confirmation of the SSN part but what EXACTLY does "backup holding" do? What does this form do to my account (and my rights) as a trader making a living? What is IB going to do with this form afterwards? Who's exempt and who's not? Am I exempt if I claim that the SSN provided is correct? One more thing, if this form states on its face in the upper right hand corner "Do not send to the IRS" why should we even bother? What kind of IRS nightmare is this and why is IB using it if the IRS is plausibly denying this form??? Seems that this form is a threat to penalties (by IB if the IRS is denying the form in-of-itself) if an incorrect SSN number is not submitted to IB? (a 31% backup withholding,etc..). Why aren't they using a substitute W-9 form like NationalDiscountBrokers for instance or something a little more ledgible? I'm a newbie, someone please help, my head is spinning. P.S. respond in laymen terms
greyd, I'm not a tax expert and you should contact you advisor to discuss your personal situation but here is my interpretation (not the firms): Each brokerage must report tax related info each year to the IRS for each customer. The brokerage supplies the info at year end independently of the client. (that's why the IRS states that you give the form to the requester and no to them). It is my understanding that if you do not complete the W9 or variation of W8 (US citizens complete the W9) a brokerage is required to withhold a certain percentage of payments. Thus assuming you are not subject to backup withholding, it is in your best interest to complete the form. For more detailed info here is a link to the IRS explanation. http://www.irs.gov/forms_pubs/forms.html
To TNTNEO: Could you please explain how to do what you said below. you need to open a route socks4 to gw2.ibllc.com port 4000 NAT translators do that, and other routers allow 'transparent' socks. If this is not supported by your office's router, it won't work until IB offers firewall support. Use the old version. Anyone using transparent socks [wingate proxy, nat translators, microsoft proxy etc..] is able to connect to TWS java on a network with the standard version. THank you kurtiscat
Def, Do you think that IB would consider allowing accounts to be funded online using funds from your checking acct? This would make it much easier and save time.
I don't see why not in the states depending on cost and programming. However, I don't think some of the overseas banks are ready to handle that. I'll pass the request along and imagine if not too difficult to implement and there is no chance of fraud .....
Bank wires are not that expensive, and some net banks offer them for free. Besides, most ACH transactions have to be 10k or less. If it's any consolation, IB will wire it back to you for free.