Overview
What is a Gateway?
This is a catchall term used to describe a system that essentially bridges two systems. Gateways can pass mail, translate protocols and forward packets, amongst other tasks. A gateway's primary purpose is communication. Routers, bridges and switches can, in broad terms, be regarded as gateways.
However, with the advent of new technologies and the manufacture of components becoming cheaper, these devices are rapidly becoming multifunctional. Products are available today that blur the distinctions between them.
Note: In a Lexmark context, the gateway is one third of the IP scheme (IP, Netmask, Gateway) that you need to know before you can begin your printer wireless or network setup. Generally, you can find out what gateway to use on your printer by identifying the gateway that your computer's network interface card (see below) is using. Otherwise, you will need to contact your network administrator. If you have no network administrator, consult the individual(s) who set up your network.