How To Fix GW478 - Communication system error; confirmed failed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GW - Message Texts for Gateway

• Message number: 478

• Message text: Communication system error; confirmed failed

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GW478 - Communication system error; confirmed failed ?

  The SAP error message GW478, which indicates a "Communication system error; confirmed failed," typically arises in the context of SAP Gateway or when there are issues with communication between SAP systems or between an SAP system and an external system. Here are some potential causes, solutions, and related information for this error:
  Causes:
  
  Network Issues: There may be network connectivity problems between the SAP system and the external system or between different SAP systems.
  Configuration Errors: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP Gateway or the RFC (Remote Function Call) destination can lead to communication failures.
  Service Unavailability: The service you are trying to access may be down or not properly configured.
  Authorization Issues: The user or service account may not have the necessary permissions to access the required resources.
  System Load: High system load or performance issues can lead to timeouts and communication failures.
  Firewall or Security Settings: Firewalls or security settings may be blocking the communication between systems.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Network Connectivity: Ensure that there is proper network connectivity between the systems involved. You can use tools like ping or traceroute to diagnose network issues.
  Review Configuration Settings: Verify the configuration of the SAP Gateway and the RFC destinations. Ensure that the settings are correct and that the target system is reachable.
  Check Service Status: Ensure that the service you are trying to access is up and running. You can check the service status in the SAP Gateway or the relevant transaction codes.
  Review Authorizations: Check the user authorizations to ensure that the user or service account has the necessary permissions to perform the action.
  Monitor System Performance: Use transaction codes like ST22 (Dump Analysis) and SM21 (System Log) to check for any performance issues or errors that may be affecting communication.
  Firewall and Security Settings: Review firewall rules and security settings to ensure that they are not blocking the required communication ports.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SMGW (Gateway Monitor) to monitor the status of the SAP Gateway and check for any errors or issues.
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address specific issues related to GW478.
  Logs and Traces: Check the system logs and traces for more detailed error messages that can provide additional context for the issue.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to involve your SAP Basis team or consult SAP support for further assistance.