Edge gateway definition
An edge gateway, also known as an edge device or edge router, is a networking device that serves as a bridge between different networks. It is typically located at the edge or perimeter of a network, acting as an entry point or gateway for data traffic entering or leaving the network. An edge gateway connects local and external networks, controls network access, filters network traffic, and translates network protocols.
See also: application gateway, VPN gateway
What does an edge gateway do?
- Connects networks. An edge gateway links different networks together, like connecting your home network to the internet.
- Controls network access. It ensures that only authorized devices and users can access the network, protecting it from unauthorized access.
- Filters network traffic. It examines incoming and outgoing data to block unwanted or harmful traffic, like blocking suspicious emails or blocking certain websites.
- Translates network protocols. It helps devices with different ways of communicating to understand each other.
- Manages network security. It implements security measures to safeguard the network and its devices from cyber threats (e.g., viruses or hackers).
- Prioritizes network traffic. It assigns importance levels to different types of data traffic, ensuring critical tasks (like video calls) get priority over less important ones (like downloading files).
- Enables remote connections. It allows remote users to securely access the network from outside locations (e.g., employees working from home connecting to their office network).
- Monitors network performance. It keeps an eye on network performance, identifying issues or bottlenecks and helping to optimize the network's speed and efficiency.
Edge gateway examples
- Home router.
- Cloud services gateway.
- Branch office router.
- Mobile network gateway.
