What Is a Network Gateway? Everything You Need to Know About It

A network gateway is meant to translate traffic of data packets or information between two protocols. Basically, it is a device that connects multiple computer networks. This node connects a company or organization’s LAN to the public Internet. The best answer to the question "What is a network gateway?" would be to interpret this device or node that acts as a network converter of information or data packets from one protocol to another and then transfers the information over the web.

How is a Gateway Different from a Router?

A network gateway and router are not the same technical things. They are different. To know how a gateway is different from a router, you have to delve into the basic functions of a gateway device and a router. For this, you have to know their respective functions. While a gateway device links networks, a router device carries the data packets or information within a network. The differences between a gateway and a router are listed below:

• A gateway node is able to connect two different networks using different protocols.

• A router’s function is to direct data packets and information along a route or path from their origin to their desired destination.

• On the other hand, a gateway can translate traffic of data packets to convert the protocols used by network traffic as it moves over the network boundary.

• While a gateway node functions as a single access point and converter to connect dissimilar networks using different protocols, a router finds out the easiest and shortest route for information to move from source to destination.

How Does a Network Gateway Work?

The working method or modus operandi of a gateway offers you an interesting picture. To know how a network gateway works, you have to look at the following points:

• A gateway node's primary work is to connect networks by interpreting or translating data or information between different protocols.

• It does the formatting of the data at the network’s boundary.

• A gateway node is used by an organization or company to connect the LAN to the public Internet and different internal networks.

• You can combine a gateway device with other key network and security devices, including a firewall.

What Are the Main Network Gateway Features?

A gateway node is capable of performing many tasks. No wonder, it has several features. The main gateway features are explained below:

i. Security: You need a gateway to secure your network from external intrusions. The security of your company or organization’s network is provided by this node or device. It can secure your network with the help of firewalls, different security tools, and special security software. A SIG (Secure Internet Gateway) can provide further cloud-based security to your company’s network.

ii. Multi-Protocol: This device has the capability of working with different network protocols. You can program and customize it according to the need of your network. The gateway’s unique multi-protocol capability of working with different network protocols also enables it to create security layers to forestall any intrusions into your given network.

iii. Monitoring Network Activities: A gateway provides visibility for you to monitor what is going on within your network. You can easily monitor the network vis-à-vis its activities. If there is any attempt to intrude into your network, you can find it out immediately.

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iv. Information Collection: A gateway can be your best device to carry out corporate analytics. This is due to the reason that the gateway is a smart device that collects multiple data, facts, figures, and information related to the company. You can assimilate them to make informed decisions on different corporate issues.

A gateway node is most important for your company or corporate network. It is a single device that executes multiple functions. Being an intelligent device, a gateway node knows how to act, what to act, and when to act. Due to these reasons, you can be rest assured of the safety and security of your company or organization’s network.

Conclusion

A gateway node performs a number of tasks to manage and run a network. You can use it both in a LAN and WAN access to the Internet. The deployment of a gateway is also done for a number of purposes. They are VoIP (Voice over IP), IoT (Internet of Things), Cloud storage, Application access, Cellular access, and Wireless access.

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