Computer Network Gateways
By Stephen Bucaro
When networks with different protocols, such as Ethernet and Token Ring need to be connected
together, this requires reconstruction of the data packets. To do this, information from above
the network layer is required. A gateway is a device that can function at all seven layers of
the OSI model. A gateway can connect a LAN to a WAN, a LAN to a mainframe, translate protocols,
or convert transmission media.
A router that connects a local subnet to other networks is called a "default gateway".
A gateway that connects a LAN to the Internet is called a "proxy server" when it receives all
requests for Internet access from the LAN and routes them to the Internet. A gateway that
connects a LAN to the Internet is called a "firewall" when it provides security and protection
against external intrusions.
More Networking Protocols and Standards:
• Comparison of the Layers of the OSI and TCP/IP Models
• OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) Protocol
• IPv6 Unicast Addresses
• IGRP (Interior Gateway Routing Protocol)
• Comparing IPv4 and IPv6 at a Glance
• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
• Free eBook: Introduction to 802.11 Wireless
• What's the Difference Between a Packet and a Frame?
• IEEE 802 Standards Specify the Basics of Physical and Logical Networking
• The OSI Data Link Layer
| 
About BTH
User Agreement
Privacy
Site Map
Contact
News Feeds
RSS Feed
Follow @Stephen Bucaro
Basics and Certification
