How To Fix GW046 - Long connect timeouts because downward compatibility has been activated

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GW - Message Texts for Gateway

• Message number: 046

• Message text: Long connect timeouts because downward compatibility has been activated

What causes this issue?

The profile parameter <ZH>gw/compatibility </> has a value <> 0.
This enables downward compatibility with older CPIC/RFC programs, which
communicate with the gateway via UPD (instead of TCP).

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

If a connection via UPD fails, this is only established after a timeout
has expired (==> <ZH>gw/cpic_timeout</>).

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GW046 - Long connect timeouts because downward compatibility has been activated ?

  The SAP error message GW046 indicates that there are long connection timeouts due to the activation of downward compatibility in the SAP Gateway. This typically occurs when the system is trying to connect to a backend system that is not fully compatible with the current version of the SAP Gateway.
  Cause:
  
  Downward Compatibility: This feature allows newer versions of the SAP Gateway to communicate with older versions of backend systems. However, this can lead to performance issues, including long connection timeouts, especially if the backend system is significantly outdated or if there are network issues.
  Network Latency: High latency in the network can exacerbate the timeout issues, especially when the system is trying to establish a connection with a slower backend.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP Gateway or the backend system can also lead to connection problems.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Compatibility: Ensure that the backend system is compatible with the version of the SAP Gateway you are using. If possible, upgrade the backend system to a version that is fully compatible.
  Disable Downward Compatibility: If the backend system is not required to support older versions, consider disabling downward compatibility in the SAP Gateway settings. This can improve performance but may limit connectivity to older systems.
  Network Optimization: Investigate and optimize the network connection between the SAP Gateway and the backend system. This may involve checking for network congestion, improving bandwidth, or addressing any firewall issues.
  Increase Timeout Settings: If the connection is still necessary and cannot be optimized further, consider increasing the timeout settings in the SAP Gateway configuration to allow for longer connection attempts.
  Monitor System Performance: Use SAP monitoring tools to analyze the performance of both the SAP Gateway and the backend system. Look for bottlenecks or issues that could be causing delays.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or patches related to the GW046 error.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have implemented.
  Documentation: Review the official SAP documentation for both the Gateway and the backend system to ensure that all configurations are set correctly.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you should be able to resolve the GW046 error and improve the connection performance between your SAP Gateway and backend systems.