In layman's terms what is a network gateway?

Answer 1

When you look at your network settings, the IP address is your computer. (IP only stands for Internet Protocol... but that is the set of numbers that identifies your computer on the network).

Within you network is a device that some call a "Server" or "Gateway" or "Router" which connects your computer to the other computers in the network... or provides a gateway (bridge, tunnel, skywalk or other term that connects one structure to another). of computers on your network to the WHOLE of the internet.

In the case of a Router, (as a gateway), it provides a so-called DHCP service. The DHCP service assigns IP addresses to the computers on the network; so that each one has a unique address. Getting fixed assignments is sometimes tricky, and prone to have conflicting addresses on the network.

If you have a high speed internet service through a MODEM, you can get a ROUTER that will allow that service to be shared with multiple computers (up to 255). This would be your GATEWAY. Here's one that does it all:


LINKSYS WRT54G IEEE 802.3/3u, IEEE 802.11b/g Wireless-G Broadband Router - at NewEgg: $54.99
Click here http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2594269-10440897?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.asp%3FItem%3DN82E16833124010%26ATT%3D33-124-010%26CMP%3DAFC-C8Junction%26cm_mmc%3DAFC-C8Junction-_-Network%2B-%2BWireless%2BRouters-_-LINKSYS-_-33124010&cjsku=N82E16833124010

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Answer 2

It 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.
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

Answer 3

It is just a device to connect two networks together. Like your local network to the internet. Or two local networks in different ip ranges etc. Most home routers are also gateways. The reason it is called a "gateway" is that it is the "gateway" to another system network.
A little overly simplified but that is what it does.

Answer 4

it is simple what connect you to your dns, which is your isp. that is about as basic as it gets

isp = internet service provider