What Is a Network Gateway? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking 235 235 people found this article helpful
Learn the Meaning of a Network Gateway
Gateways connect networks so the devices on them can communicate
By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 17, 2021 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless A network gateway joins two networks so the devices on one network can communicate with the devices on another network. Without gateways, you wouldn't be able to access the internet, communicate and send data back and forth. A gateway can be implemented completely in software, hardware, or a combination of both. Because a network gateway by definition appears at the edge of a network, related capabilities such as firewalls and proxy servers tend to be integrated with it. Types of Gateways for Homes and Small Businesses
Whichever type of network gateway you use in your home or small business, the function is the same. It connects your local area network (LAN) and all the devices on it to the internet and from there to wherever the devices want to go. Types of network gateways in use include: On home networks and in small businesses, a broadband router typically serves as the network gateway. It connects the devices in your home or small business with the internet. A gateway is the most important feature of a router. Routers are the most common type of gateways. In some cases, such as in a residence that uses dial-up internet access, the gateway is a router at the internet service provider's location. This has become increasingly less common as dial-up access declines in popularity. Some small businesses configure a computer to serve as the gateway to the internet, rather than use a router. This method requires two network adapters — one connected to the local network and one connected to the internet. Richard Drury / Getty Images Gateways as Protocol Converters
Gateways are network protocol converters. Often the two networks that a gateway joins use different base protocols. The gateway facilitates compatibility between the two protocols. Depending on the types of protocols they support, network gateways can operate at any level of the OSI model. FAQ What is a default gateway? A default gateway is a hardware point that provides access for devices in one network to communicate with devices in another network. What is a wireless gateway? A wireless gateway functions as a modem and a router and includes a Wi-Fi access point. What is a bad gateway error? A bad gateway error message, such as 502 Bad Gateway, indicates something wrong with a website's server communication. You can try refreshing the browser, starting a new browser session, or clearing your browser's cache to fix the error. What is a gateway ping? To ping the gateway is to send a signal testing network connectivity. You can use the ping command in Command Prompt by entering ping where is your default gateway address. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix an IPv6 No Network Access Error How to Connect Two Home Computers Through a Network What Is an IP Address? How to Find Your Default Gateway IP Address What Is Network Encryption? Private IP Addresses: Everything You Need to Know How to Fix a Missing AirPlay Icon on iPhone and Mac How to Set Up Port Forwarding What Is DHCP? (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) What Is a Default Gateway in Networking? 502 Bad Gateway: What It Is & How to Fix It A Short Guide on Networking Fundamentals What Is a Public IP Address? (and How to Find Yours) The Differences Between Routers, Switches, and Hubs SOHO Routers and Networks Explained How to Set Up PPPoE Internet Access Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies