A wireless gateway is a device that coordinates modems, routers, and other internet-enabled machines to access a shared wireless internet connection. It allocates bandwidth and may provide firewall and hosting functions. Wireless networks require modems and routers, and gateways act as a kind of wireless “headquarters” that houses all the cables and can handle all the necessary services. Gateways usually include features such as network address translation (NAT) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) functionality. When setting up a home network, an installer will most likely need several CAT5 Ethernet cables. Wireless protocol choices typically include 802.11b and the newer 802.11g, which is about five times faster than 802.11b.
A wireless gateway is a device that allows a computer and other internet-enabled machines to access a shared wireless internet connection and is usually seen as a way to coordinate things like modems, routers, and sometimes even cable television or voice applications in another simplified component. Gateways are often popular in homes and businesses where there are many different uses competing for a wireless network. The device handles multiple uses and allocates bandwidth in a way that most modems can’t, at least not on their own. In some cases they may also provide firewall and hosting functions. Firewalls are digital security measures that protect connected computers from online threats, and hosting deals with assigning unique Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to various connected devices. There are usually a number of different gateway choices and users often have to do a bit of research to find the best ones for their individual needs.
Main purpose
Efficiency is usually the primary goal of any wireless gateway. Wireless networks are growing in popularity, but they can require a number of different components that need to work together. Likewise, connecting various devices can require some finesse. Gateways act as a kind of wireless “headquarters” that houses all the cables and can handle all the necessary services.
Wireless networks traditionally provide Internet connectivity to laptop computers. A wireless network configuration is required if the user wants to move within the network range and get a connection without the use of cables. With a wireless access point (WAP) providing enhanced wireless security, users can add devices that access the network with little or no wires. Common examples include tablets and smartphones, and it’s often the case that many devices can pull data from the network at the same time.
Some service providers also offer “bundled” packages of other services, especially television programs and telephone services, which also use the Internet. Service providers in such cases sometimes provide special gateways that can coordinate all these services. It should be noted that standard gateway devices do not always have these features and are often created specifically for certain branded services.
System components and requirements
There are two essential things before this type of device can work: a modem and a router. Modems are pieces of hardware that physically connect to the Internet, usually through a cable port or wall jack, and then translate the Internet signal into something that can be understood by computers and other devices connected to it. Early modems had to be physically connected to any machine that used the Internet, usually with special modem cables. In the wireless world, routers do this job: Routers translate signals from modems, then broadcast them a short distance. Nearby devices that have wireless receivers can usually connect.
Features included
Wireless gateways usually include features such as network address translation (NAT) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) functionality. NAT translates a public IP into a private IP address on a network while built-in DHCP automatically transmits network design information to each PC. Additional functionality, such as a print server, multiport switch, and content filtering, can be provided by more advanced gateways.
Installation tips
When setting up a home network, an installer will most likely need several CAT5 Ethernet cables, which are the most commonly used Internet-ready cables. Depending on the type of Internet service you access, you may also need a length of coaxial cable. Any computer or other device that will access the Internet through the wireless gateway will need to have an adapter in order to receive the signals.
Protocol choices
Wireless protocol choices typically include 802.11b and the newer 802.11g, which is about five times faster than 802.11b. There are two types of encryption to protect your data on a wireless network. Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) is an older system supported by nearly all wireless equipment, while a newer system called Wireless Protected Access (WPA) is more robust and usually comes with more recently released hardware.
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