gateway (GW)

1. In a communications network, a network node equipped for interfacing with another network that uses different protocols. 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. [An] interface providing a compatibility between networks by converting transmission speeds, protocols, codes, or security measures. 3. Loosely, a computer configured to perform the tasks of a gateway. (For example, the Media Gateway Control protocol provides media mapping and/or transcoding functions to facilitate interworking between a PSTN and a packet-based (IP) network.)