In the network and security sectors, gateway vs router are essential elements that are sometimes used interchangeably but have different functions.
It’s important to comprehend their shared characteristics and how they control network traffic between two or more networks before delving into their distinctions.
Typical Features of Routers and Gateways
Routers and gateways are both necessary for controlling network traffic. They accomplish this by putting them in between the networks they control and installing them with a minimum of two network cards.
The gadget may regulate the flow of traffic between networks since each network card is connected to a specific network.
An Overview of Gateways and Routers
Function of Routers: A router is a network device that transfers packets between different networks. A packet arrives at a port, and the router uses a routing table or routing policy to route it to the next network or hop after reading the address information and determining the packet’s destination.
Capabilities: Routers have the ability to send and receive data packets between networks of computers, forming an overlay network.
Layer: Primarily functions at Layer 3, or the Network Layer, in the OSI architecture.
Function of Gateways: A gateway connects disparate systems and enables a network to communicate with another network using various protocols. It converts packets from one protocol to another and serves as an entry/exit point for other networks.
Capabilities: Gateways allow internet connectivity and can link networks using various protocols.
Layer: Manages protocol conversion and functions up to Layer 5 of the OSI model.
Important Distinctions Between Routers and Gateways
Router:
A network device that uses internal routing tables to forward traffic between networks. Routers determine how to forward each incoming packet after reading it.
Gateway:
A gateway is a component of a network that changes the format or protocol of an input. It serves as a point of entry and exit for the network, enabling communication between various protocols.
Below table will help clearly differentiate between gateway vs router.
| Parameter | Router | Gateway |
| Â
Terminology |
A network device that uses internal routing tables to forward traffic between networks. Routers determine how to forward each incoming packet after reading it. | A gateway is a component of a network that changes the format or protocol of an input. It serves as a point of entry and exit for the network, enabling communication between various protocols. |
| Primary goal | Traffic is routed from one network to another using a router. | Converts data between different protocols. |
| Â
Feature Support |
Offers features including wireless networking, IPv6 addressing, MAC addressing, NAT, DHCP server, and static routing. | Facilitates network access control and protocol conversion, including VoIP to PSTN. |
| Dynamic routing | Supported | Not supported |
| Hosted On | Usually hosted on hardware specifically designed for routers | May be housed on physical servers or dedicated/virtual appliances |
| Related Terms | A wireless and internet router | Voice, router, and proxy servers. |
| OSI layer | Operating on Layers 3 and 4 | Operating up to Layer 5 |
| Working principle | Sets up routing data for different networks and directs traffic according to its target address. | Controls protocol conversion and distinguishes between resources inside and outside the network. |