The Access Gateway provides an access interface between multiple types of line side services and devices and the packet network. Examples of these services and devices are Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) telephones, Basic Rate Interface (BRI) sets, Coin telephones, as well as some Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and private lines/special services on 2 and 4 wire DS0, DS1 interfaces, etc. The Access Gateway may also support an interface for line based GR-303/TR-08 remote terminals. The Access Gateway may also provide functions such as audible ringing, power ringing, miscellaneous tones, etc. The Access Gateway may be connected to the network via various bit-rate and physical layer interfaces, and may be installed in controlled or outdoor environments. A Call Agent provides the specific call control, call processing and other management functions for the services and devices terminated on the Access Gateway.

See CGI.

Historically, one of a set of gateways (routers) operated by the Internet Network Operations Center at BBN. Note: The core gateway system forms a central part of Internet routing in that all groups must advertise paths to their networks from a core gateway, using the exterior gateway protocol (EGP). [Bahorsky]

A device implementing the Delivery Network Gateway Function. The DNG may also be termed the RG (Residential Gateway) in other standards bodies.

Synonym dual-homed host.

Software and hardware interfacing merchants and credit-card authorization networks. [Mattila]

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.)

A computer that connects two or more electronic mail systems (especially dissimilar mail systems on two different networks) and transfers messages between them. Note: The mapping and translation can be quite complex, and can require a store-and-forward scheme whereby the message is received from one system completely before it is transmitted to the next system after suitable translations. [After Bahorsky]

Terminates the Access network and the VDSLx or ADSLx network. Also, in most telco implementations includes a router, NAT function, and Network Management functions for both the WAN and the LAN.

Synonym bastion host.