Gateway versus router

[ArcticFox]

What's the difference between a gateway and a router? Some site explained it but I'm still not sure. It would be to hook up to a normal DSL connection and then out to a switch.

This is the one I'm talking about:
http://www.pagecomputers.com/cgi-bin/page/B0834210.html

I don't think it has SPI though.

[PresterJohn]

a gateway is simply any piece of hardware or software that acts as a bridge between two networks.

many broadband routers are described as gateways in their product description because that is exactly what their duties include...they act as a bridge between your ISP's network and your own.

[ArcticFox]

OK, so it has the same firewall capacity (or better) and such? If it does, I'll get it because as you can see from my multiple posts, I'm overhauling my network.

[PresterJohn]

no...a router that acts as a gateway does not necessarily mean that it has a native firewall.

lemme look that those product specs...

nope that device does not have a firewall built-in. i think you're mixing up PAT/NAT with a true firewall.

[ArcticFox]

As long as it will keep viruses out I'm OK, the NAT should as far as I know, doesn't have to have SPI or whathaveyou.

[John Prophet]

i dont think NAT keeps u safe from viruses...I think it does give some protection against hacking....at least its better than being hooked straight to the cable

"gateway" used to mean a device to conenct two different networks etc...but now it is also used for the home type routers...like Pj said..they are connecting two different networks...your internal network to the outside workd

[ArcticFox]

So maybe this would be a better router?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...127-013&depa=0

[John Prophet]

looks like the dlink has firewall etc options

"Advanced Firewall & Parental Control"

"NAT, MAC/IP/URL Filtering, Domain Blocking, Scheduling" (not that I would know what all that is, lol)