Lync 2013 desktop client in Windows 8.1 connected to Lync Server 2010

From my office workstation (Windows 7, Lync 2010 client, completely different hardware), from inside the firewall, I don't have any problems (IM, audio, conference, video, desktop sharing all work 100%).  At home, I haven't been able to make PC calls. 

I can see the status of my contacts in Lync, and contact them through IM, but as soon as I try to make an audio call, Lync stops responding.  I can, on occasion, connect and can receive audio, but I cannot be heard on the other end.

To place audio calls, I connect to my office workstation through remote desktop - the audio quality is terrible but it works.

I'm testing various configurations using the "Check Call Quality" function under Tools > Audio Device Settings.  I can hear a couple of beeps, or even a ring tone, once, but then it crashes again.  Waiting 10 to 15 minutes, it still does not respond.

I am using Lync 2013 because 2010 wasn't available through MS Office HUP.  I checked the compatibility list, and I didn't think there would be a conflict between the two versions.

Would downgrading Lync to 2010 help?

I am not exactly a Lync expert, so I may have some of the setup wrong.  I'm hoping it's as simple as a server/connection setting that I've missed.  I'm using Automatic Configuration under Advanced Connection Settings.

Hardware specs:

DELL XPS 8500

Windows 8.1 64-bit
Realtek High-Definition ALC887 Audio
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Recon3D PCIe Audio Card
NVidia GeForce GTX 660 Graphics Card

According to Windows, all drivers are up to date.

I had a Logitech webcam installed.  I disconnected it and restarted the computer, to make sure it wasn't affecting Lync.

To use Lync through the RDP session is not supported for production.

Did you install the latest updates on the Lync Client?

Do you have the same experiences direct from you desktop.

Hi,

Did the issue happen only for you or for multiple users?

Did the issue happen when one endpoint is internal and the other is remote or also happen when two endpoint external the company?

If it possible, please try to use another computer login on Lync client 2013 at home.

Please double check if you have configured DNS entry for Lync server Edge A/V service.

Here is a similar case may help you:

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/lync/en-US/522e7f53-d0d4-4b08-9917-45b80a292963/lync-2010-external-voice-calls-do-not-complete-call-failed-to-establish-due-to-a-media?forum=ocsedge

Please also double check the Edge external A/V port UDP 3478, TCP 50,000-59,999 and UDP 50,000-59,999 and make sure they are opened.

Whats more, you can troubleshooting Edge server with the help of the link below:

http://blogs.technet.com/b/nexthop/archive/2011/12/07/useful-tips-for-testing-your-lync-edge-server.aspx

Best Regards,

Eason Huang

Sorry for the delayed response, I haven't been around for the last week to work on this one.

The Lync client is up-to-date.

I do not have the same experiences directly from the desktop.