Your PC faces various risks and security threats, including DDOS attacks whenever you connect to the internet. To preserve your anonymity and minimize attacks from one of these threats, you should consider how you can secure your device. Nonetheless, there is no shortage of solutions that you can use. While they differ in features or performance characteristics, they work towards a common goal: securing your device against potential risks.

One tool you should look into using is known as a VPN gateway. A typical function of a gateway is to provide an interface between a private network and the internet. Often the gateway comes in the form of a firewall, router, or VPN server.

What is a Gateway?

A gateway is an addressable endpoint or interface that enables communications between two networks. It can convert data from one format to another and control the flow of data between two computers or networks.

A gateway connects networks, whether wired or wireless, or two different network protocols. It is hardware that facilitates an internet connection to your local network of computers. In enterprise networks, a gateway includes providing access to the public internet and managing connections to external partners.

Why Gateway is Essential

Gateways are necessary for any network that connects to the internet. They allow traffic to filter in and out of a network and protect against common security threats. The gateway facilitates data transfer between two networks, typically an internal network and the internet.

Setting Up Gateway

An internet gateway is what connects local devices to the internet. That’s how your laptop can connect to a website through your internet gateway. You can set up an internet gateway as follows:

First, you’ll need to create a file called ‘gateway.’ The file will contain information about the IP address and mask that the new gateway will use and the default gateway address. Ensure you save the file in your home directory and edit the interface file to allow access to your computer’s network configuration.

How to Install a Gateway

When installing a gateway on your home network, you’ll need to ensure all your connected devices create one “master” network by connecting all the other routers with Ethernet cables. If you’re using devices that aren’t WiFi-enabled, like an A/V receiver or a printer, ensure you plug them into an Ethernet port on one of the routers. You should also ensure all the devices have IP addresses assigned by the DHCP server on the router.

  1. Ensure you have a modem and router. You may already have the equipment, or your ISP may provide it.
  2. Connect the modem to the power source and the cable line. Then plug in the router, turn it on, and plug it into the modem.
  3. Your router will have a network name and password for you to log into using your computer or mobile device. This information usually comes with your router’s user manual, but if not, you can try using “admin” for both your username and password until you can change them to something more secure.

Safe Browsing

There are two types of gateways: public and private. Public gateways allow you access to websites outside your home network, like a local coffee shop or library, while private gateways connect your computer directly to the internet, but only at home. Both gateways have advantages and disadvantages, but if you want to stay secure while browsing the web at home, you need to download VPN for Chrome which gives you a private connection to the internet. And very importantly, it helps protect the security of your online information. Once the setup is complete, you can flip through virtual locations and choose where you’d like to browse, which is great for streaming Netflix or Youtube videos blocked in your country.

Conclusion

A gateway is an application that acts as a platform for connecting your computer to the network. Gateways, also known as accelerators, are used in networks to provide end-to-end connections through an IP network. They act as the central point when moving information from one file-transfer protocol to another. ​If you have a home network, you very likely have a router. The router is the hub of communication for all the devices on your network. Each router is an individual computer with a built-in interface.
Installation of a gateway is an easy process that takes a few minutes. However, it requires certain conditions to be met and the installation of additional software or apps on your mobile device. A gateway with VPN software helps secure your connection from a higher level in the chain.