> Source: [sk183023](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk183023)

# sk183023 - Repeated "allocate_port failure" messages in Security Gateway "/var/log/messages" or "$FWDIR/log/fwk.elg"

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Solution ID | sk183023 |
| Date Created | 2025-01-13 |
| Last Modified | 2025-01-15 |
| Technical Level | General |
| Products | Security Gateway |
| Versions | R82, R81.20, R81.10 (EOS), R81 (EOS) |

## Symptoms

- On a Security Gateway or Cluster member, the *$FWDIR/log/fwk.elg* file or the */var/log/messages* file contains this line repeatedly:

```

fw3-de kernel:[fw4_7];de_allocate_port: fwx_alloc_global_del failed (second try). 
```

## Cause

Global NAT (GNAT) port allocation causes the issue. GNAT is enabled by default when a Security Gateway has more than 5 cores.

## Solution

### Solution (if you do not use GNAT)

If you do not use GNAT, then disable it. In the CLI of the Security Gateway / all Cluster members, add this parameter to the *$FWDIR/boot/modules/fwkern.conf* file:  
`fwx_gnat_enabled=0`

### Solution (if you use GNAT)

If you use GNAT, [Contact Check Point Support](https://www.checkpoint.com/support-services/contact-support/) to get a Hotfix for this issue.

A Support Engineer will make sure the Hotfix is compatible with your environment before providing it.  
For faster resolution and verification, collect these files:

1. [CPinfo](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk92739) file from the Management Server involved in the case.
2. [CPinfo](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk92739) file from the Security Gateway / each Cluster Member involved in the case.

**Hotfix installation instructions:**   
Refer to [sk168597 - How to install a Hotfix](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk168597).

---

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