Wireless Gateway

Do you want to get rid of those messy cable wires for your home network? If so, wireless gateway is the best solution. Find out how this little device organizes your wireless home network.

Wireless gateway devices are used in wireless networking setup to facilitate wireless connections of multiple computers and internet-enabled devices. While wireless routers allow connection between personal network computers and internet, wireless gateways work as both WAP (wireless access point) and router in one wireless device.  Some wireless gateways have firewall functionality too. As a result, you can save a considerable amount of space without those messy cables. It is no wonder that they are widely used in home and business environments to allow sharing of internet connection by multiple computers and other wireless devices.

Choosing the Right Wireless Gateway

There are loads of gateway devices available in the market these days. And manufacturers continue to upgrade their devices to provide the fastest and most reliable networking equipments. Before buying a gateway device, think about the features you will likely need. Of course, you don’t want to pay for extra features that are not useful to you. There are basic features that your gateway should have and additional features that are found on advanced wireless gateways.

  • Basic Features
    Most gateway devices are configured with elements like Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Network Address Translation (NAT), packet inspection functionality and PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet). But what are these for? Well, DHCP provides network configuration info into every computer automatically. On the other hand, NAT decodes public IP address to private on your wireless network. Your gateway device should have these features.
  • Additional Features
    Aside from the basic features, some gateways are configured with other attributes as well. Depending on your specific networking needs and budget, these features are useful too. Print server is one great element that allows you to share a printer with other PC in the wireless network. DMZ is useful too, making one computer access the internet and protecting it at the same time. Meanwhile, content filtering feature lets you oversee and control the content of the internet; while multiple port switches prevent you from buying hub. Lastly, VPN allows connecting to company network through VPN.

Where to Buy Wireless Gateway devices in the U.S.

Here are some of the popular choices for wireless gateways in the U.S.

  • Linksys
    They offer a wide variety of wireless networking devices including wireless gateways. Linksys recently launched their newest member of wireless gateway – WAG160N. You can get this device for $160.
  • Netgear
    Netgear is another sought-after name for networking devices like gateways. Their DGN2200 N300 is composed of ASDL+2 modem router in one device delivering high speed wireless connection. You can find this product with prices ranging from $100-$108.
  • Motorola
    This company has been making quality and reliable networking devices, and one of their popular gateway units is Motorola 2247-62 ADSL2+Wireless Voice Integrated Access Device which is priced between $54 and $100.
  • D-Link
    D-Link has a wide array of wireless networking solutions and their gateways are among the top choices, such as the D-Link ADSL2/2+Modem/Wireless Router offered for $52.00.
  • Actiontec
    Actiontec has wide variety of networking devices either for home or business networks. Actiontec’s GT784WN Wireless-N ADSL Modem Router is comprised of three devices in one with price range starting from $74 to $97.