›› Application Layer Gateway Service

The Application Layer Gateway Service allows third party protocols to use the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) and Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) services. Confused? This may require further explanation.

Every computer that connects to a network, such as the Internet, makes use of protocols, or standard ways of communicating across the network. TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and NetBIOS are all examples of protocols that are used over networks so that two computers can communicate with each other and send each other information in a standard format.

It is possible for some third party, like an independent software vendor (ISV), to create a brand new protocol. If this protocol wishes to make use of the ICS/ICF services, it is necessary to utilize a proxy, or a gateway, to translate the new protocol into a protocol that most other computers already recognize. This proxy is the Application Layer Gateway Service that allows a third party protocol to make use of the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) and Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) services. For more on what the ICS and ICF are, check out: Internet Connection Firewall (ICF)/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

If you use the ICS/ICF as a proxy, you cannot disable the Application Layer Gateway service. ICS/ICF will not function without it. However, if you use hardware, like a router, or other proxy software, you will probably not need this service.

Fearful of losing money and clients due to Windows Service failures? Automatically restart your Windows Services with Service Hawk, and keep those services up and running!