Network gateway What is a network gateway?
A network gateway is a hardware device or software solution that connects two discrete networks that use different transmission protocols. The gateway acts as the network entry-exit point and allows data to flow from one discrete network to another by translating communication protocols. Network gateway capabilities include enhanced security, intelligent routing, and IoT support with scalability to support a range of use cases spanning large enterprise campuses to small remote branch offices.
- Network gateways explained
- What does a network gateway do?
- How does a network gateway work?
- Network gateway use cases
- How is a network gateway different than a network router?
Network gateways explained
Network gateways are high-performance network appliances that provide secure connectivity between different local area networks (LANs) and between LANs and wide area networks (WANs) or cellular networks.
With technology advances, gateways have evolved to support a wide range of use cases such as:
- SD-WAN device with intelligent routing and tunnel orchestration.
- Virtual private network concentrator (VPNC) to support remote work and client VPN connectivity.
- Wireless gateway that provides a control plane to support enhanced security and scalability for large-scale access point deployments.
Gateways can be deployed on-prem (known often as controllers since they support the control plane) or in the cloud.
What does a network gateway do?
- Provides connectivity from a LAN (Local Area Network) and LAN to the WAN (Wide Area Network).
- Controls data transmission and visibility of incoming and outgoing data packets from its location on the boundary of the network. Acts as a protocol converter to support multiple protocols by making sure that the data packet from another network is compatible and converts into supported protocols if needed.
- Routes data packets to different networks because it knows about the routing path of different networks that are in communication with its network.
- Secures access using cloud-based or built-in firewall and security software to defend against internet threats.
- Analyzes and optimizes traffic flow by monitoring and collecting data to assist in providing analytics, diagnosing and troubleshooting connectivity issues.
- Monitors and filters traffic using network detection and response (NDR) to monitor network traffic for malware and suspicious activity and filters with capabilities such as web content filtering (WCC) to control access to websites, applications, and content.
How does a network gateway work?
By acting as a secure connection device between two different networks and often translating multiple protocols, a network gateway allows data to flow between discrete networks. It routes data and translates the protocols if needed for seamless communications.
Network gateways typically operate at the network layer of the OSI model, allowing them to interpret, translate, and route data more effectively than switches or routers which operate at lower levels.
Gateway hardware features include wired ports (typically Ethernet), management or console ports (USB, RJ-45), and power supplies (may be redundant). Functionality is also driven through software which may be local or delivered via cloud services.
Network gateway use cases
Network gateways are used throughout enterprise networks of all sizes and industries. Reasons to use gateways include:
- Enhanced security: Gateways provide enhanced security capabilities needed to strengthen security posture. Key elements include IDS/IPS intrusion detection system (IDS) and network detection and response (NDR) to monitor network traffic for malware and suspicious activity, dynamic segmentation for role-based policies, policy enforcement firewall (PEF) for secure access, and guest network support.
- Improved scalability: Cloud-based gateways offload traditional controller functionality to the cloud, allowing control and management of tens of thousands of APs at a single site.
- Seamless roaming: Gateways support tunneling which allows mobile users to maintain the same Layer 3 address when roaming throughout a multi-VLAN network, enabling users to move seamlessly between building or different networks.
- Cost savings and efficiency with SD-Branch: Gateways combine wireless, wired, and WAN infrastructure with management capabilities to help maximize performance and minimize operational costs compared to traditional solutions with MPLS.
- Simplified management: Network gateways help simplify operations when deployed using zero touch provisioning, with a dynamic RADIUS proxy.
How is a network gateway different than a network router?
A network gateway connects two discrete networks each with different protocols and acts as a translator. A router ensures the data goes to the correct address and routes the data on similar networks that use the same protocol.
