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gateway - technical definition

A node that interconnects two or more disparate networks, both physically and logically, serving as a protocol converter (e.g., PSTN to IP) and media converter (e.g., electrical twisted pair to optical fiber) as necessary. See also IGF, node, and protocol converter.
The collection of hardware and software required to interconnect two or more disparate networks, including performing protocol conversion. See also hardware, protocol converter, and software.
In H.323-compliant multimedia networks, a gateway is an optional element used for various levels of protocol conversion.The gateway serves as a protocol converter between devices and networks that have native H.323 capability and those that do not. The gateway also may translate between audio, video, and data formats, and may perform signaling conversions between the H.225 packet protocol and external protocols such as SS7 and Q.931. Alternatively, signaling conversions may be performed by gatekeepers, call processors, or session border controllers. See also H.225, H.323, multimedia, network, packet, protocol, protocol converter, Q.931, session, and SS7.

See gateway in Webster''s New World Hacker Dictionary

The router or communication node connecting an internal or local area network to the Internet or another type of wide-area network. Today, the term has taken on a slightly wider definition in which a gateway is dedicated to a specific functional service to provide an intermediary between two or more systems. For example, an LDAP master server (a server that provides authentication and directory services) in a multimode master setup is a gateway when more than one master server exists. Gateway is also the name of a successful computer and peripherals vendor operating mainly through online channels.

See Also: Internet; Network; Routers.

See gateway in Computer

(1) A device that converts one protocol or format to another. A network gateway converts packets from one protocol to another. An application gateway converts commands and/or data from one format to another. An e-mail gateway converts messages from one mail format to another. See IP gateway, proxy server, cable/DSL gateway, default gateway, media gateway, NAS gateway, wireless gateway, messaging gateway, signaling gateway, WAP gateway, softswitch, EGP, BGP and IGP.

(2) A device that acts as a go-between two or more networks that use the same protocols. In this case, the gateway functions as an entry/exit point to the network. Transport protocol conversion may not be required, but some form of processing is typically performed. See proxy server.

(3) An earth station and computer complex that switches data and voice signals between satellites and terrestrial networks.

(4) An earlier name for router. See router and layer 3 switch.

(5) See Gateway Computer.

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