Top 3 Reasons Why You Need an Internet Gateway
You can get Internet access with a modem, but to get wireless Internet you need a router. While you can get a separate modem or router, you might want to get a combination device like a cable modem/router. These combo devices are also referred to as gateways or wireless gateway devices.
What is an Internet Gateway?
An Internet Gateway is a network connecting device/appliance that can be used to connect two devices in two different networks implementing different networking protocols and overall network architecture. In other words, a gateway is a node on a network that serves as an entrance to another network.
A Gateway is the most intelligent device among the network connecting devices. Intelligent in terms of its working, error control, data packet routing, transmission speed, etc. It is a combination of both hardware as well as software components.
The Purpose of a Gateway
The purpose of a gateway is the same as a modem and a router because that’s exactly what it is, a combination of the two devices. Instead of having a separate modem and router, you have one device that does the work.
Like a modem and a router, a gateway communicates with your Internet service provider (ISP), receives data, and sends it to the router to translate and distribute to your wireless devices. In other words, with a gateway, you get wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) in your home or space.
One of the main features of using a gateway is that we can have routing controls for different networks through gateways. This way, the traffic flow in the transmission channels for different networks can be easily controlled by gateways.
Differences Between a Router, Modem, and Gateway
All three of these device terms are similar, but they are not all the same. Here is a quick breakdown of each:
- Modem: a hardware device that connects your computer devices with your Internet service provider (ISP).
- Router: a hardware device that translates the data from the modem and distributes it as a Wi-Fi signal/Internet connection to multiple devices.
- Gateway: another name for a combination modem/router or cable modem router. This is a hardware appliance that can have preinstalled and customizable software built into the device.
Top 3 Reasons Why You Need an Internet Gateway
Does your vacation rental or hotel need an internet gateway? The answer is a resounding YES, for a variety of reasons. Internet gateway appliances can have built-in software and features, which means that not every gate is the same. When looking for the gateway that best suits your needs make sure you get the right appliance that meets your needs.
Here are the top 3 reasons why you need to use an internet gateway for your vacation rental and/or hotel:
- Security
- We mention the importance of network security in another blog. A gateway appliance is necessary to maintain network security. It prevents hackers from attacking all the computers (guests and your own) on your network.
- Traffic Control
- Internet Gateways allow you to throttle your guests’ internet activity, so a few people visiting your property won’t ruin the experience of everyone else by using too much bandwidth.
- Improve Business Efficiencies
- Software on Internet Gateways can collect email addresses to help you with marketing and visitor retention.
- Depending on the appliance, it can allow you to set up different networks with specific bandwidth options. This can provide property owners with more flexible pricing options for additional revenue. For example, you can implement tiered pricing based on different speeds.
To determine what kind of Internet Gateway your property needs, contact the experts at SolutionInc and experience the piece of mind of knowing that you have exactly what you need to expedite your business’s growth.
We also offer 24/7/365 helpdesk technical support, where you will speak to an actual person to ensure everything is working as it should.
