Configuring WPAD
The Web Proxy Auto Discovery (WPADWeb Proxy AutoDiscovery protocol.) is an Internet protocol supported by major Internet browsers. It enables web browsers to automatically retrieve proxy settings from a WPAD data file stored on a machine on your network.
NOTE
This feature is not available for GFI WebMonitor installed as a plug-in for Microsoft Forefront TMGMicrosoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway. A Microsoft product that provides firewall and web proxy services. It also enables administrators to manage Internet access through policies. It is the successor of the Microsoft ISA Server and is part of the Microsoft Forefront line of business security software..
WPAD is a convenient way for administrators to configure client machines to use the GFI WebMonitor machine as a proxy server without having to supply settings manually or via Active DirectoryA technology that provides a variety of network services, including LDAP-like directory services. Group Policies. When this feature is enabled and the Internet browser connection settings are configured to 'Automatically Detect Settings', each client machine will automatically determine the IP address of the GFI WebMonitor server and use it as a proxy without further configuration.
WPAD is particularly useful when you want to configure roaming devices such as laptops and tablets to use GFI WebMonitor as the proxy server when they are in the office.
NOTE
For client Internet browsers to use WPAD, these must be configured to automatically detect proxy settings. For more information refer to Configure Internet browser for WPAD.
When GFI WebMonitor is installed the first time, it tries to detect available WPAD servers. Discovered WPAD servers are listed in an information window.
WPAD settings
To enable WPAD:
- Go to Core Settings > Connection Settings.
- Locate Use WPAD switch. Click ON to enable.
NOTE
If GFI WebMonitor does not discover any WPAD Servers on your network, this option is disabled. Click Repeat WPAD detection to check for available servers.
- A warning is displayed informing you that by enabling WPAD, server information is updated that might create network conflicts. These conflicts may arise when you have multiple GFI WebMonitor installations within the same network. Click Proceed to continue.
- Select one of the following options:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Publish the IP of the GFI WebMonitor proxy in WPAD |
Select to include the GFI WebMonitor IP address in the WPAD.dat file. Recommended when the proxy machine has a fixed IP address. |
| Publish the host name of the GFI WebMonitor proxy in WPAD | Select to include the GFI WebMonitor host name in the WPAD.dat file. Recommended when the proxy machine has a dynamic IP address. |
- Click Save.