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What is Gateway? | Webopedia

A gateway is a node on a network that serves as an entrance to another network. Read more about gateways from Webopedia.

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What is Gateway? | Webopedia .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;} Definitions Insights Reference Topics About Us Search search term Definitions Insights Reference Topics About Us type to search termSearch HomeNetworking Gateway Webopedia Staff September 1, 1996 Updated on: June 23, 2021 Share FacebookTwitterLinkedinEmail A gateway can refer to a couple terms: Gateway node A gateway is a node in a computer network that serves as an entrance to another network. A node is a processing location where data stops for either transporting or reading. For example, a computer or modem is a node, whereas a computer cable isn’t. A gateway is a stopping point for data on its way to or from other networks. Because of gateways, sending data back and forth is possible. A gateway node can run application services and perform computations. It is the entry point to the domain. In the workplace, the gateway is the computer that routes traffic from a workstation to the outside network that serves the web pages. The gateway node operates as a firewall and proxy server. The firewall keeps out unwanted traffic. The proxy server makes sure the real server can handle online data requests. For home use, the gateway is the Internet Service Provider (ISP) that connects the user to the internet. The term gateway is sometimes used interchangeably with router, but they are not the same. A router is a physical device that connects a modem to all of the network-connected devices such as computers, smartphones, and home cameras. A gateway is different in that it is simply a combination of a router and modem. It combines the two to provide one single piece of hardware. Satellite gateway A satellite gateway is a computer system located on a ground station on Earth that transmits data and voice signals to and from the satellite in orbit to the local area network. It houses the antennas and equipment that convert Radio Frequency signal to an Internet Protocol signal for terrestrial connectivity. Webopedia StaffSince 1995, more than 100 tech experts and researchers have kept Webopedia’s definitions, articles, and study guides up to date. For more information on current editorial staff, please visit our About page. Related Articles How To Defend Yourself Against Identity Theft Security Vangie Beal - September 1, 2006 0 Almost every worldwide government agency responsible for identity theft issues will tell you the same thing: The first step to fighting identity theft is... Infographic Design Abby Braden - December 11, 2020 0 An infographic is a visual representation of information or data. It combines the words information and graphic and includes a collection of imagery, charts,... Phishing Security Vangie Beal - March 3, 2021 0 What is phishing? Phishing is a type of cybercrime in which victims are contacted by email, telephone, or text message by an attacker posing as... Photo Editing Software Applications Vangie Beal - July 11, 2016 0 Photo editing software is used to manipulate or enhance digital images. This category of software ranges from basic apps, which are able to apply... Related Articles Definitions ScalaHosting ScalaHosting is a leading managed hosting provider that offers secure, scalable, and affordable... Read more Development HRIS Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their... Read more Definitions Best Managed Service Providers... In today's business world, managed services are more critical than ever. They can... Read more Webopedia is an online information technology and computer science resource for IT professionals, students, and educators. Webopedia focuses on connecting researchers with IT resources that are most helpful for them. Webopedia resources cover technology definitions, educational guides, and software reviews that are accessible to all researchers regardless of technical background. FacebookLinkedinTwitter Advertisers Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on Webopedia and our other IT-focused platforms. Advertise with Us Menu Definitions Insights Reference Topics About Us Our Brands Terms of Service About Privacy Policy Contact Advertise California – Do Not Sell My Information Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2022 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace. ×