Understanding What is a Gateway and its Types on a Network

There is a technology called a gateway to connect two computers easily. But what is a gateway, and how does it work? Check out the full explanation in the article below.
 

What is a Gateway?

A gateway is a device used to connect a network between one computer device and another. Each device usually has a different communication protocol, requiring a gateway to connect it.

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The gateway works to link between one network and another. Although each network's architecture and topology patterns differ, the gateway can connect them. In addition, the gateway can also be a link between fellow large computers or from large computers to small computers.

Examples of gateway internet devices and networks are ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and routers, whose job is to provide access to all WWW networks.
 

Are Gateways, Routers, and Switches the Same?

Many people assume that gateways have something in common with routers and switches. All three are different devices with clearly different functions.

A gateway connects one computer network to another with different information protocols. Meanwhile, a router is a hardware device used to communicate between networks. Meanwhile, a switch is a computer network component that connects computer devices to exchange data.
 

How does a gateway work?

To understand how a gateway works, you must first know that all networks create communication restrictions on devices directly connected to the network. Therefore, if a network wants to communicate with devices outside its network, it needs an intermediary, a gateway.

The way a gateway works can be linked to a connector between networks. The gateway at the end of a network directs connections originating from inside or outside the network. In essence, the gateway is the entrance or exit of a network system, which will carry incoming connections from outside to the destination point on the network.

For example, you open a website, which means you are trying to enter the network. The gateway directs your connection to the web page you are aiming for.
 

What are the Functions of a Gateway in a Network?

There are several functions of a gateway, such as protocol conversion. The following are some of the functions of a gateway:
 

1. Hardware Sharing

The following function of a gateway is to be able to share tasks between hardware devices. This term is also called hardware sharing. An example is when using one printing device for the needs of several people in one room. This kind of thing is very possible when using a gateway system.
 

2. Easier Access to Information

Users can more easily access the information they need by using a gateway. The two computers can connect and exchange data. Two computers with different protocols can only carry out the exchange process with a gateway.
 

3. Helps Computing Performance

Furthermore, under certain conditions, a gateway can be like a network optimized for an enterprise computation's stability and performance. When overload occurs, the trick is distributing each computing task to other computer units with the same network.
 

4. Protocol Conversion

Then, because the gateway is a link between two computer units with different protocols, each computer can be connected to the other, and the process of exchanging information occurs. Each network gateway can also operate at any level in the Open System Interconnection (OSI) network model.
 

5. Streamline the Data Exchange

Process You can integrate and manage essential data more efficiently by optimizing the company's gateway function. This is undoubtedly very important for companies, especially since every company must have many divisions that work separately. However, it should be noted that a gateway network can only work with an admin who manages and controls the security of the data.
 

What are the Types of Gateways?

When viewed from the flow of data and information, what is a gateway can be divided into several types. The following are the types of gateways:
 

1. Bidirectional Gateway

First, a bidirectional gateway can allow data to flow in both directions. This bidirectional gateway can also be a tool for synchronization.

2. Unidirectional Gateway

Furthermore, unlike bidirectional gateways, unidirectional gateways allow data to flow in only one direction. Usually, a unidirectional gateway is used as a tool for archiving.
 

3. VoIP Trunk Gateway

Third, the VoIP trunk gateway facilitates data exchange between PSTN or public switched telephone network devices and VoIP or voice over internet protocol networks.
 

4. Cloud Storage Gateway

Fourth is the cloud storage gateway, a translator server for storage requests with different cloud storage API calls, including SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) and REST (Representational State Transfer). Cloud storage gateways enable integrating private cloud storage into applications without transferring applications into the public cloud first. This way, data communication can be simplified.

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5. Network Gateway

Then, there is the network gateway, which is very common because it provides an interface between two networks that operate with different protocols. If a gateway is mentioned without specifying its type, it usually refers to a network gateway.

Also Read: Memahami Apa itu Network Security, Jenis, dan Manfaatnya Bagi Perusahaan
 

6. SIoT Gateway

Finally, the SIoT gateway combines sensor data from IoT (Internet of Things) devices with what happens in the field. Then, the SIoT gateway performs translation between two or more protocols before moving it to the cloud gateway network. This type of gateway can connect cloud networks, IoT devices, and applications owned by users.

Gateways are the link between two computer devices that have different protocols. This is undoubtedly very useful, especially for office life, because it can support your and your team's efficiency. Moreover, gateways can also connect cloud networks.

In business operations, cloud networks are usually used to store essential data. You can do this through the Cloud Server service provided by Cloudmatika. For more information, contact Cloudmatika.