ok guys. many thanks. it looks like its time to sweettalk the network administrator. i assume that a lot of IT folk get a bit uppity when dealing with software traffic through their network. screw it - i paid, they can either get with it or lose it. appreciate the help. i too am on a mac, a great deal less impressive than blackbird's. no idea about the router numbers, however.
i'll let you know how it went.
this forum is probably the first where i've actually recieved help quickly and effectively!
by the way, i'm in durban - south africa