# Wireless gateway

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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_gateway
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A **wireless gateway** routes packets from a [wireless LAN](/source/Wireless_LAN) to another network, wired or wireless [WAN](/source/Wide_area_network). It may be implemented as software or hardware or a combination of both. Wireless gateways combine the functions of a [wireless access point](/source/Wireless_access_point), a [router](/source/Router_(computing)), and often provide [firewall](/source/Firewall_(networking)) functions as well. They provide [network address translation](/source/Network_address_translation) (NAT) functionality, so multiple users can use the internet with a single public [IP](/source/IP_address).[1] It also acts like a [dynamic host configuration protocol](/source/Dynamic_Host_Configuration_Protocol) (DHCP) to assign IPs automatically to devices connected to the network.

There are two kinds of wireless gateways. The simpler kind must be connected to a [DSL modem](/source/DSL_modem) or [cable modem](/source/Cable_modem) to connect to the internet via the [internet service provider](/source/Internet_service_provider) (ISP). The more complex kind has a built-in modem to connect to the internet without needing another device.[2] This [converged device](/source/Converged_device) saves desk space and simplifies wiring by replacing two electronic packages with one. It has a wired connection to the ISP, at least one jack port for the LAN (usually four jacks), and an antenna for wireless users. The wireless gateway could support wireless [802.11b](/source/802.11b) and [802.11g](/source/802.11g) with speed up to 56 Mbit/s, [802.11n](/source/802.11n) with speed up to 300Mps and recently the [802.11ac](/source/802.11ac) with speed up to 1200 Mbit/s.[3] The [LAN](/source/LAN) interface may support 100 Mbit/s ([Fast](/source/Fast_Ethernet)) or 1000 Mbit/s ([Gigabit](/source/Gigabit_Ethernet)) Ethernet.[4]

All wireless gateways have the ability to protect the wireless network using security encryption methods such as [WEP](/source/Wired_Equivalent_Privacy), [WPA](/source/Wi-Fi_Protected_Access), and [WPS](/source/Wi-Fi_Protected_Setup). WPA2 with WPS disabled is the most secure method.[5] There are many wireless gateway brands with models offering different features and quality. They can differ on the wireless range and speed, a number of [LAN](/source/LAN) ports, speed, and extra functionality. Some available brands in the market are [Motorola](/source/Motorola), [Netgear](/source/Netgear), and [Linksys](/source/Linksys). However, most internet providers offer a free wireless gateway with their services, thus limiting the user's choice. On the other hand, the device provided by the ISP has the advantage that it comes pre-configured and ready to be installed. Another advantage of using these devices is the ability of the company to troubleshoot and fix any problem via remote access, which is very convenient for most users.

## See also

- [Wi-Fi](/source/Wi-Fi)
- [IEEE 802.11](/source/IEEE_802.11)
- [Residential gateway](/source/Residential_gateway)

## References

1. Michell, Bradley (2008-06-01). ["The Definition of Network Gateway"](https://www.lifewire.com/definition-of-gateway-817891). *Lifewire*. Retrieved 2020-05-27.

1. Artman, Jason (2010-03-13). ["The Differences Between a Wireless Gateway and DSL Modem"](https://archive.today/20141104043108/http://techchannel.radioshack.com/differences-between-wireless-gateway-dsl-modem-1139.html). *Radio Shack Tech Channel*. Archived from [the original](http://techchannel.radioshack.com/differences-between-wireless-gateway-dsl-modem-1139.html) on 2014-11-04.

1. Mitchell, Bradley (2003-08-10). ["802.11 WiFi Standards Explained"](https://www.lifewire.com/wireless-standards-802-11a-802-11b-g-n-and-802-11ac-816553). *Lifewire*. Retrieved 2020-05-27.

1. " HIGH SPEED ETHERNET CABLING". Retrieved November __, 2014 Available: [http://www.supermicro.com/products/accessories/Networking/Ethernet_Cabling.pdf](http://www.supermicro.com/products/accessories/Networking/Ethernet_Cabling.pdf)

1. " Wireless Security Basics". Retrieved November __, 2014 Available: [http://www.metageek.net/blog/2012/12/wireless-security-basics/](http://www.metageek.net/blog/2012/12/wireless-security-basics/)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Wireless gateway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_gateway) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_gateway?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.