Translating the Concepts Behind Gateways

摘要

What are gateways and what do they do? It can get confusing. The term “gateway” has been used for many kinds of network devices and activities over the years. Gateways by the most generic definition are network devices that translate. Typically translating from one network protocol or operating system to another—they provide a gateway to another otherwise unnavigable network. In this edition of IT World, we'll explore some of the most common definitions for gateways, compare their function to other network devices, and give some examples of what they can do.