PIM, IGMP protocols.

[kabab]

Hello
Two issues are on my mind:
1. What are PIM and IGMP protocols?
I get the following messages in Agnitum Outpos Firewall:
"Your system is trying to communicate via the PIM protocol"
The same goes for IGMP.
Should I grant access to those?

2. Have tried numorous firewalls and with most of them I get disconnected every couple of minutes from the internet.
Cable internet connection, USB modem.
WinXp.
Tnx for any suggestions.

 

[bcastner]

Both PIM and the three versions of IGMP are essentially multi-cast protocals. PIM is usually seen in net meeting or conferencing situations in which one feed is multi-cast to many viewers. IGMP is essentially for router discovery and the binding in a common pool for next hop servicing. My email providor, Verizon, for example, uses an IGMP router discovery call when I read POP3 mail.

You should ask your ISP what is required so that you can make suitable adjustments in your firewall settings.

 

[bcastner]

A CISCO discussion on both protocols:

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/cisintwk/ito_doc/ipmulti.htm

 

[bcastner]

Note: some of this traffic may be occasioned under XP if you have IPv6 enabled under the properties of your network connection.

 

[kabab]

Thanks.
Could it be used by some sort of spyware?
And should I keep the ports open for communication?

 

[bcastner]

Well, neither traffic opens ports for TCP/IP traffic, this is all IP traffic.