WRP FAQ
What is WRP?
Winsock Redirection Protocol is a specification for Winsock request redirection. It enables client computers to gain access to the Internet without proxies or a direct connection.
What is the WRP service?
Winsock Redirection Protocol Service is the server in WinGate that provides WRP access. Like an FTP server provides FTP.
What is the WGIC?
The WinGate Internet Client is the service that lets your client computers use the WRP SERVICE on the WinGate server. It is invisible, but configurable through its control panel icon.
What are the advantages of using WRP?
Firstly, it is very easy to use. No more client configuration is required; once installed, the WinGate client does everything for you. WinGate configuration is simple too. Most people only need 5 services, instead of about 15! Second, WRP is fast. Once installed, there is no more time wasted getting applications working.
What are the disadvantages?
As all connections are made from the WinGate server, on the ports requested by the client application, port conflicts may occur. See the section on Current compatibility.
Do I need to know lots about networking?
No. That is the bonus of the WinGate WRP Service. In fact you don't even need to know that it is running. Once installed, the WinGate Internet Client will do all of the work for you.
How do I install WRP?
You must have the WRP Service installed on the WinGate server (it is an ordinary WinGate System Service that is installed by default). Installing the WinGate Internet Client on client computers enables them to use this service. To see how to install the WinGate Internet Client read the installation section of this help file.
I have run the install, I can't see the WinGate Internet Client?
Don't worry, this is correct. The WGIC runs as a service similar to the way a mouse driver works: It's always ready, but you can't see it. It requires no configuration, but there is an icon added to the control panel.
Can I be sure my network is secure if I use WRP?
Yes. WRP Service is carefully designed to give you maximum security. The WRP Service will only work for the computers on your own LAN. If you accidentally run a server on a client computer, it will not be accessible to the Internet unless you explicitly allow this.
How do I configure WRP to block ALL applications except the ones I choose?
Using the 'ban client application' setting (added in version 3.05 and later) you can achieve this.
Try changing the WRP Policies to:
- Default rights are ignored
- Add "Everyone" with ban list "Not client application name is empty". These two entries ban all applications for everyone. So:
- Add "Everyone" with ban list "Not client application name equals X" (e.g. where X is TELNET.EXE)
- Add "Everyone" with ban list "Not client application name equals Y" (e.g. where Y is NETSCAPE.EXE).
Now they can run the client with apps X and Y but no others. This provides centralized control over what applications WRP will and will not re-direct.
However, this is not a completely bulletproof solution (which is why we've never pursued such a scheme). Bear in mind that a rogue user can subvert this by changing the name of the .EXE you chose to ban (i.e. you ban netscape.exe but allow telnet.exe. Renaming the netscape.exe file as telnet.exe allows the user to evade this policy.
Is it easy to use?
Very easy. WRP is designed to run without any user intervention required.
Why should I use WRP?
WRP saves you time and money configuring your network. WRP is great for network administrators, as client applications now require no setup to use a firewall.
Will it work with my old applications?
Yes. The WRP client will allow any TCP or UDP application to run as if it was directly connected to the Internet.
Is it forwards compatible?
Yes. WRP will allow any TCP or UDP application to run as if it was directly connected to the Internet.
How do I set up applications to use it?
You don't! WRP works without any application configuration. No more proxy settings, no more mapped links or hosts files.
Can I have several versions of WinGate running?
Yes. Each WRP client can handle multiple WinGate engines on your network. The most appropriate WinGate will be used. If one WinGate is too busy, the client will use another.
What is GDP?
Generic Discovery Protocol. This protocol is an IANA registered Internet standard, with an assigned system port number: 368. GDP is used for finding or discovering Gateway computers on a network.
Is WRP a standard?
Yes. WRP uses GDP to discover WinGate installations. WRP is a protocol specification for Winsock redirection. Both WRP and GDP specifications were created and developed by Qbik New Zealand Ltd.
How compatible it is with my computers?
It is 100% compatible with any PC running Windows 95, 98, NT4, or higher.
What if I have Macintoshes on my network? What about other types of computers?
The WRP client is only available for Windows 95 98 and NT. Other PCs will have to use the WinGate Proxies or NAT Service (NAT was introduced in WinGate 4.0).
Will the people on my network need training?
No. No training is required because WRP is transparent, the computer user does not need to know anything about WRP or how they are getting Internet access.
Can I run multiple WRP Services on my network?
Yes. Each WRP client can handle multiple WinGate engines on your network. The most appropriate WinGate server will be used. If one WinGate is busy, the client will use another (unless you specify otherwise).
Will it work with Intranet servers?
Yes. WRP does not affect connections to computers on your own LAN.
What does this mean for Internet software authors?
WRP is good news. Proxy support is no longer required. All TCP and UDP client and server applications will work. No firewall configuration will be needed to use the Internet.
