What is Internet Gateway used for and why do I need it?

[dwcasey]

On my Windows 2000 laptop, I have a Local Area Connection and that's it. On my new XP Pro PC, I have a Local Area Connection and an Internet Gateway...why?

If I disable the Gateway, internet no-workie.

I've removed the network driver (it's on on-board LAN) and rebooted and it added it back along with the gateway. Does this have to do with ICS?

I have cable from the wall, going to a cable modem, and then into a Linksys 4-port hub. Pretty standard setup.

 

[bcastner]

It is the uPnP service.

I would leave it enabled on the router and your client.

If you want to eliminate it:

1. In your router setup, usually the Password Page for Linksys, uncheck to enable uPnP.

2. That will make it disappear from your client. If you want to kill the thing completely, go to this site and look for the registry modifications for uPnP services under XP:

http://www.grc.com

But if I were you I would leave it be. And enhance its function by making sure every client had these two recent downloads from Microsoft where appropriate:

1. The Directx release 9.0a
2. The various Windows Messenger updates of a month ago, if appropriate.

 

[dwcasey]

Well, let's say that this is the only machine on my home network. So, I would one machine plugged into a 4-port linksys hub, and the hub plugged into my cable modem. Would I need it then?

I didn't see a need for ICS when I had Win2k and I don't see the need now...am I missing something?

 

[bcastner]

If you are the only machine, and feel comfortable making forwarding entries for ports needed by your applications, then no, you do not need uPnP.

The exception is if you run out of static forwarding assignment slots. Then enable uPnP for those programs that open and close their port assignments on an as needed basis. Reserve the static port forwards for those applications that are not uPnP aware.

 

[dwcasey]

That was fast! Thanks. After disabling the uPnP feature in my router, do I have to remove my existing connection and then create a new one?

I guess I'm confused as to why it things I share a connectoin or I need to share a connection. Does it think the Linksys is a "client/gateway" of sorts?

You also mentioned DirectX and Messanger? Why? Are there some good fixes in those packages?

 

[bcastner]

The gateway device is your client response, when enabled, to a uPnP enabled device on your network.

I would leave it enabled, personally. As I said earlier, you can kill it by disabling uPnP services from the router; and for the really worried, you can kill the uPnP services on the client.

The Directx update, and the Messenger updates (all flavors) handle some NAT traversal issues that have arisen with earlier versions of both programs. Directx is not just for gamers, there are some core functions that influence non-video aspects of your system. Consider it a core Microsoft service, and keep it updated.

The Messenger updates help with NetMeeting, Messenger and other difficulties behind NAT routers. If you do not use Messenger or NetMeeting, or Remote Desktop, then ignore it.

While I admit that uPnP is at the moment slightly forward thinking, with the newer firmware for your router and the appropriate upgrades to XP as a client it is a rather elegant solution to port forwarding and NAT traversal issues. And I emphasize that this as a remedy for traversal issues is going to become more commonplace rather than less.

So, set it up right, get the router and client updates and apply them, and ignore the Gateway on your Network Connection properties sheet. But to be fully informed you should read Steve Gibson's comments about uPnP on the link above for grc.com. I disagree with Gibson on several issues, this being one, but you should read the discussion he undertakes, and do a google on "gibson upnp" if you want a larger discussion to read.