A network gateway connects two networks so that devices on one network can communicate with devices on the other network. Without gateways, you would not be able to access the Internet, communicate, and pass data back and forth. A gateway can be implemented entirely in software, hardware, or a combination of both. Because a network gateway by definition appears at the edge of a network, related capabilities such as firewalls and proxy servers are typically integrated with it.
Default Gateway Explained
No matter which type of network gateway you use in your home or small business, its function is the same. It connects your local area network (LAN) and all the devices on it to the Internet and from there to wherever the devices want to go. The types of network gateways in use include:
In home and small business networks, a broadband router typically acts as a network gateway. It connects the devices in your home or small business to the Internet. A gateway is the most important function of a router. Routers are the most common type of gateway.
In some cases, such as a home that uses dial-up Internet access, the gateway is a router at the ISP's location. This has become less common as dial-up access becomes less popular.
