What is difference between a gateway and a router ?

 Here’s a clear comparison between a gateway and a router in table format:

Feature	Router	Gateway
Primary Role	Routes data packets between networks using the same protocol.	Connects networks with different protocols or architectures.
OSI Layer	Operates at Layer 3 (Network Layer).	Operates at multiple layers (e.g., Layer 3 and Layer 7).
Protocol Handling	Works within networks using the same protocol (e.g., IPv4 or IPv6).	Translates between different protocols (e.g., IPv4 to IPv6, or VoIP to PSTN).
Functionality	Determines the best path for data to travel between networks.	Acts as an entry/exit point, often performing protocol or data translation.
Use Cases	Used in home networks, offices, and ISPs to connect devices to the internet.	Used to connect networks with different protocols (e.g., LAN to internet, IoT integration).
Example	A home Wi-Fi router that connects devices to the internet.	A VoIP gateway converting analog voice to digital data for internet transmission.
Scope	Focuses on routing data within or between similar networks.	Focuses on bridging and translating between dissimilar networks.
Default Role	Often acts as a default gateway in a network.	Can be a router, server, or software performing gateway functions.

Key Takeaway:

• A router is primarily used for routing data between networks using the same protocol.
• A gateway is used to connect networks with different protocols or architectures, often performing translation or conversion tasks.