Are Gateways and Routers different things?

Question

Can a Gateway actually be used as a wireless router? o_o
I think of just made one stuuupid mistake.

Answer 1

A gateway, in computer networking technology, is a node that serves as an entrance to another network, and vice-versa. Gateways are most commonly used to transfer data between private networks and the internet.

A gateway is a network point that acts as an entrance to another network. On the Internet, a node or stopping point can be either a gateway node or a host (end-point) node. Both the computers of Internet users and the computers that serve pages to users are host nodes. The computers that control traffic within your company's network or at your local Internet service provider (ISP) are gateway nodes. In the network for an enterprise, a computer server acting as a gateway node is often also acting as a proxy server and a firewall server. A gateway is often associated with both a router, which knows where to direct a given packet of data that arrives at the gateway, and a switch, which furnishes the actual path in and out of the gateway for a given packet.

A gateway is an essential feature of most routers, although other devices (such as any PC or server) can function as a gateway.

A router acts as a junction between two or more networks to buffer and transfer data packets among them. A router is different from a switch and a hub: a router is working on layer 3 of OSI model, a switch on layer 2 and a hub on layer 1. This makes them work for different situations: a switch connects devices to form a Local area network (LAN) (which might, in turn, be connected to another network via a router).

P.S. why you want to know the difference ?..:-)

Answer 2

All depends on the GATEWAY. Many are special function routers.
http://www.echotechwireless.com/AirEpoch_HGW210_E_Hotspot_Gateway_p/hgw210-e.htm
is an example.

This is used for HotSpots. It allows users to login, be redirected to home pages, etc.

A gateway is a device, similar to a router, that allows control for the network users. It can control bandwidth available, web pages that are available, etc.

It may just be a controller without routing but many are routers as well.

This is a way over simplified answer but without knowing exactly what you are looking at I think it may be close!

Answer 3

I think the other answer is good - but I think my router simply routes stuff from my laptop to my desktop and the gateway is the link to the Modem - a gateway to the Internet. Not as good as the other answer - but much simpler and shorter!

Answer 4

All routers are gateways, but not all gateways are routers.

Even a broadband modem is considered a gateway.

Answer 5

no
its not wireless