Network Gateways

Network gateways interconnect networks with different, incompatible communication protocols. Network gateways perform layer-7 protocol-conversion to translate one set of protocols to another (for example, from TCP/IP to SNA or from TCP/IP to X.25). A gateway operates at OSI layers up through the Session Layer.  Form factor, network type, performance, port, processor specifications, memory, and features are all important specifications to consider when searching for network gateways.

Choices for form factor for network gateways include chip, board, and module.  Network types are the fundamental mechanisms for network communications. They specify the software attributes of data communications, including the structure of a packet and the information contained in it. Protocols may also prescribe all or some of the operational characteristics of the hardware on which they will run. Popular network protocols include IPX and TCP/IP.  Other choices include ATM, Ethernet, ISTN, SONET, Token Ring, xDSL, and ARCNET.  IP telephony allows voice phone calls to be made over the Internet or other packet networks using a PC, via network gateways and standard telephones.  Performance specifications to consider when searching for network gateways include users, number of ports, and data rate.  Users refers to the number of users the device is designed for.  The number of ports defines the total number of ports available on the networking equipment.  The data rate is the maximum data transfer speed.  Port choices for network gateways include AUI, BNC, IEEE 1394, GBIC, MIC, RJ-45, SC, serial, ST, ISDN BR S/T, ISDN BRI U, and USB.

Common features for network gateways include stackable, rack mount, LED indicators, integrated firewall, and VPN.  An integrated firewall is  for security.  VPN is a connection that has the appearance and many of the advantages of a dedicated link but occurs over a shared network. Using a technique called "tunneling," data packets are transmitted across a public routed network in a private "tunnel" that simulates a point-to-point connection and allows network protocols to traverse incompatible infrastructures.  

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Part Numbers for Network Gateways