A gateway in the computer network is the node of the network that is used in telecommunications to connect the two different networks. Here both networks have different transmission protocols, so we need to use the network node for networking. Generally, the gateway device functions as an entry and exit point on the network from which the network can efficiently process.
If you belong to the field of information technology or are interested in it, knowing the gateway is the fundamental term. So I have created a comprehensive and detailed post about the gateway. This post will cover a gateway on a computer network, its types, functions, how it works, and examples. So please read this post carefully to get a detailed analysis of it without making any effort.
What is Gateway?
The gateway in the computer network is the essential hardware component commonly used to connect the different devices. Both devices have different network transmission protocols and enter or leave the gateway. So you can assume that a gateway is a device that functions as a gateway and helps networks to bypass data from one device to another.
The gateways can be used for LAN and WAN network connections. And they primarily act as translators for the two devices to transmit the data, even if they contain different transmission protocols, architecture, and data formats. These devices can be the firewall, the router, the server and other devices used for the network and allow the flow of data from one device to another through your network.
Gateway types
The gateway in a computer network has mainly two types, such as one-way and two-way gateways. Below is a brief introduction to both types of gateways.
1. One-way gateway
This is the type of gateway that allows data to be transmitted in one direction. The data can be sent or received; there is no two-way communication channel. And every change in the direction of the data is completed at the source terminal. Only the replicated destination address or route exists on the node or applications. The nodes do not affect the direction of the data and remain the same as it was sent. This type of gateway works primarily as an archive tool.
2. Bidirectional gateway
Bi-directional gateways are the type of gateway that can execute the bi-directional flow of data in both directions. And the data can be sent and received at the same time. Also, every change in flow and direction takes place in the source application or at the node. In short, the bi-directional gateway works as a synchronization tool or application.
Here are some of the important examples of gateways that are based on these two types. Therefore, to understand more about the gateway, you should also know some examples.
Gateway Examples
1. IoT gateway
This gateway is designed to provide a platform for data input and output from IoT devices. And it translates the data between the sensor protocol whenever you need to send the data to the cloud.
2. Payment gateway
These gateways are extremely useful as they allow secure money transfers between devices.
3. Media Gateway
It allows spreading the data available in the form of video or audio between the devices by means of transmission.
4. Network gateway
A network gateway is one of the most popular and widely used gateways that provides a precise interface to transmit the data between two different networks that have different protocols. So if both devices are different and have different protocols, chances are high that you are using a network gateway.
5. Default gateway
These are gateways that do not specify that another gateway is used but allow external devices and your network to communicate for data transmission.
6. Email security gateway
This gateway is used to transmit emails that break an organization’s strategy, or it can transfer the data for any malicious reason.
7. VoIP trunk gateway
The VoIP Trunk gateway is still in use. They help to connect old devices and satellites to run communication efficiently. Generally, these gateways are extremely useful for transferring data if the device is not connected to the Internet.
8. Web application firewall
These applications help drive traffic to or from a web server and monitor the same data.
Gateway Features
Now we have understood what the gateway is and also its types. So, let’s understand the role of the gateway in the computer network. Gateways are generally responsible for running multiple tasks, some of which are listed below.
- Gateways play an important role in becoming the bridge between sensors, Internet machines, or devices.
- Gateways function as the gateway for data transmission and allow data input or output from different network devices that have different protocols. And they can efficiently perform tasks like sending emails, using web pages, and many other activities on the Internet.
- With the help of gateways, the battery life of the sensors is improved and they can be used for longer.
- Gateways are capable of sending or receiving data from devices that have different protocols. And it also translates the data with the standard protocol and transmits it in the required way.
- It also helps to minimize the number of sensors and other devices that we may have to connect to the Internet to transmit data.
How does Gateway work?
The gateway in the computer network functions as the central point from which various network protocol devices can pass data. If you use an intranet, the router plays an important role. It allows you to transmit the data to another computer. The hardware that is attached for this is known as a gateway. But in large companies, the large gateways that are computer servers do the same job. And they act as gateway applications; They can also function as a firewall and any ideal proxy server if required.
The gateway then connects to the router every time a person needs to transmit the data or needs to access it. They then need to transfer that data through the gateways, where it is translated according to the protocol of the receiving device.
Conclusion
Gateways are hardware components that can be routers, servers, or firewalls. And they function as the gateway to allow data to be sent or received over the different protocol-based networks. Here we learned some crucial types and examples of gateways along with their functions. I hope this article helps you feel confident explaining to others about gateways in a computer network.
