Is there any disadvantage to installing the Wingate Client

[rubantin]

Is there any disadvantage to installing the Wingate Client? Or would it be better to setup a static address in IE...

If I wanted to setup a static IP how would I address FTP?

Russ

[jamesc]

Basically, The WGIC will handle any WinSock connections.
Setting a static proxy in IE does not mean all computer programs will get internet connectivity.


Some more info on the WGIC from the WinGate help file.

WinGate Internet Client (WGIC)

The WinGate Internet Client is small application that can be installed to client machines in order to communicate with the WinGate server. It uses the GDP (Generic Discovery Protocol) to discover the existence of WinGate Servers on the local network, and once discovered it communicates directly with the WinGate server via the Winsock Redirector Protocol service found in WinGate.

With the WGIC is installed, all WinSock applications that make outbound requests on the client computer will be intercepted and serviced by the Winsock Redirector Protocol service on the WinGate Server. This allows administrators to have strong control over what applications clients use to access the Internet, and how they will access the Internet.


Pros

Provides tight control over users Internet usage and allows the efficient running of server applications.
Provides an elegant way for users to authenticate for Internet usage. It can be configured so the user has to enter username and password the first time they access the internet; ideal for tracking and recording purposes.
Allows policy control from just one place in WinGate (WRP service) rather then configuring policies per service.
With WinGate Enterprise licence, WGIC user Internet access and operations can be controlled from a central configuration menu in Gatekeeper.


Cons

You have to install client software.
Only supports Windows based machines.


Conclusion

If you have a small to medium sized LAN of Windows clients, where control of user Internet applications is required, we recommend using the WGIC.

Proxy

Like the normal meaning of the word "proxy", WinGate has been designed to fufill Internet requests on behalf of clients. As such WinGate does things on behalf of other software programs running on the client machines.

Specifically, WinGate makes Internet requests to Internet servers on behalf of Internet clients. It basically acts as an intermediary between a workstation user and the Internet so that the enterprise can ensure security, administrative control and a caching ability.

Configured on an application by application basis, clients need to specify the IP address of the WinGate proxy server in each application they wish to use to access the Internet. WinGate's specific proxy services (such as HTTP,FTP,Telnet) etc have been specifically designed to handle these types of connections and as such handle the entire connection between the Proxy client and the remote server/site on the Internet.

The WinGate Internet Client (WRP-based) and General Purpose Internet Sharing (NAT-based) have decreased the importance of proxies. You may still choose to use proxies to exert per-service control over policies, however the advent of transparent redirection means that there is nothing you can do with proxies that you now cannot do with the other two connection methods.


Pros

Allows you the greatest control over data passing through your network. Although, with transparent direction, these benefits are now available through NAT and WGIC.


Cons

Works only for existing protocols that each Proxy service is designed for.
If a new protocol is devised, it wont be able to be used.


Conclusion

Because transparent redirection provides the NAT and WGIC with all the benefits of proxies there will be very few occasions when you will need to use a proxy directly.



Note: It is possible to integrate the three connection methods

If I wanted to setup a static IP how would I address FTP?

Internet Explorer uses proxy port 80 for it FTP connection method. You can change it "if you want".

a) To stop it running through the proxy, and assuming you have a different conenction method available as well (WGIC or NAT), you can clear the FTP option in IE --> Tools menu --> Internet Options --> Connections --> LAN Settings --> Advanced.
b) Set the FTP to use Socks (Port 1080).

If you use FTP alot, you should get an FTP client, and use the FTP Proxy / NAT / WGIC