Issue
What is Gateway?
Environment
I/NET Site
Cause
What is Gateway?
Resolution
A gateway is a method of enabling communications between two or more network segments. A gateway is usually a dedicated computer that runs gateway software and provides translation service, which allows for communications between dissimilar systems on the network.
For example, using a gateway, an Intel-based PC on one segment can both communicate and share resources with a Macintosh computer or mainframe. Another function of gateways is to translate protocols. A gateway can receive an IPX/SPX message that are bound for a client running another protocol, such as TCP/IP, on a remote network segment. After the gateway determines the message packet's destination is a TCP/IP station, the gateway will actually convert the message data to the TCP/IP protocol.
