The main function of a gateway is to achieve network interconnection between two high-level protocols through protocol conversion. In the OSI reference model, a gateway is sometimes defined as a device that operates from the transport layer to the application layer. Gateway is used for interconnection between different types of network systems with significant differences, generally performing one-to-one conversion or conversion between a limited number of application protocols. In the IP network world, the main function of a gateway is to enable cross network segment communication of IP packets. Due to the ability of routers to achieve cross network segment communication, some people mistakenly equate routers with gateways. Although it has the function of a gateway, a router specifically refers to a network device that can achieve routing addressing and data forwarding.
Other devices can also serve as gateways. A gateway does not specifically refer to a certain type of product, but is a logical concept. Firewalls, layer 3 switches, servers, and industrial computers can also assume the role of a gateway. The main conversion projects of the gateways include information format conversion, address conversion, and protocol conversion. Format conversion converts the maximum length of information, the presentation format of data, etc. into a format suitable for the other network. Due to the different address constructions of each network, it is necessary to convert them into the address format of the other network. Protocol conversion converts the control information of each layer into the control information of the other network, allowing for information segmentation and combination, data flow control, and error detection.
Post time: Apr-03-2025