What is the difference between a gateway and a router

Common Features of Gateway & Router

Before you can talk about the differences between gateways and routers, it’s necessary to understand what they have in common. Both devices are used to regulate network traffic between two or more separate networks. You do this by installing at least two network cards into the device and placing the device between the two networks you’re trying to regulate. This process involves attaching one network card to each network.

Routers and Gateways are 2 terms widely used in Network and Security domains. Both terminologies have a thin line of differentiation, with some of functionalities overlapping , rather many times a single device (maybe Router) performs the functionality of both a Router and Gateway.

Difference between Gateway & Router

A Router is a Network device that forwards packets from one network to another when a packet comes in through one port, the router reads the address information on the packet and determines the right destination, then uses routing table or routing policy to direct the packet to the next network or next hop. A router is a device that is capable of sending and receiving data packets between computer networks, also creating an overlay network.

A Gateway, on the other hand, joins dissimilar systems. Gateway it is defined as a network entity that allows a network to interface with another network with different protocols. Gateways acts as a network point that acts as an entrance to another network. The gateway can also allow the network to connect the computer to the internet.

Below table will help clearly differentiate between both Router and Gateway.