OK, try this for size (I know it's ancient history). The gateway is just the router that your machine is pointed-at to send outgoing messages to. Both it and your machine must have valid IP addresses on the same subnet. A router, as said, uses IP addresses the same was that bridges and switches use MAC addresses, EXCEPT that a true router is (or can be) more intelligent, in that it knows the IP address of a "next hop" router that can eventually get your message to its intended destination. That may be one address for all messages, or it might not be (that's the function of the "routing table"). When you are connected to an ISP via the router, it is only a "one-way-out address", and the other features of a router, such as firewalling, make the difference between it and a bridge. Otherwise it is just a "layer three switch" in that application.
OK? Am I going to learn something here? Ken Meyer -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DaveC Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2004 11:19 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [BAWUG] Terminology: Router, gateway? I'm trying to understand the difference between these two. An off-the-cuff poll seems to result in this semi-consensus: A hardware box called a router is a one Ethernet-in port, and one (or more) Ethernet-out port(s) product. Firewall, DHCP, and NAT are typical features. A box called a gateway is all the above plus an integrated cable or DSL modem. Any agreements or disagreements welcome. Thanks, Dave _______________________________________________ BAWUG's general wireless chat mailing list [unsubscribe] http://lists.bawug.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless _______________________________________________ BAWUG's general wireless chat mailing list [unsubscribe] http://lists.bawug.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless
