What does it indicate when a user can access local resources but cannot reach the Internet?

When a user can access local resources but cannot reach the Internet, it typically indicates a configuration issue with the gateway. The gateway is responsible for routing traffic from a local network to external networks, including the Internet. If the configuration settings for the gateway are incorrect—such as the wrong IP address or malfunctioning routing protocols—the user's device may successfully connect to resources within the local network but fail to access anything beyond it, such as websites or online services.

This situation implies that the local network infrastructure is operational since the user can access local resources, which rules out complete failures of networking hardware or local connectivity issues. Furthermore, a disabled firewall would generally allow Internet access unless it is specifically blocking the connection due to misconfiguration. In contrast, a faulty networking component would likely result in broader connectivity issues beyond just Internet accessibility. Hence, the presence of a gateway configuration issue logically accounts for this specific scenario.