GATEWAY

1. In a communications network , a network node equipped for interfacing with another network that uses different protocols. ( 188 ) Note 1: A gateway may contain devices such as protocol translators, impedance matching devices, rate converters, fault isolators, or signal translators as necessary to provide system interoperability . It also requires that mutually acceptable administrative procedures be established between the two networks. Note 2: A protocol translation/mapping gateway interconnects networks with different network protocol technologies by performing the required protocol conversions. 2. Loosely, a computer configured to perform the tasks of a gateway.