Which network device serves as the entry and exit point of a network, as all data coming in or going out of a network must first pass through it in order to use routing paths ?
Which network device serves as the entry and exit point of a network, as all data coming in or going out of a network must first pass through it in order to use routing paths ?
Options
Official answer
Correct option: (B) Gateway
A gateway is the network device that acts as the entry/exit point of a network — all traffic entering or leaving the network passes through it so it can be routed towards its destination, often across dissimilar networks.
Marking scheme
- 1.1 mark for selecting option (B) Gateway; no partial marks in MCQ.
Hint
Think of the device positioned at the 'boundary' of a network that connects it to the outside world, unlike devices that only work within one LAN.
Quick oral answer
A gateway is the network device that acts as the entry and exit point of a network, routing all incoming and outgoing traffic, even between dissimilar networks.
Common mistakes
- 1.Confusing Gateway with Modem, since both are boundary-facing devices for internet connectivity.
- 2.Selecting Switch, forgetting that a switch only operates within a single LAN and does not connect a network to the outside.
Analysis and explanation
This is a definition-based question that tests whether students can distinguish between commonly confused networking devices.
Why (B) is correct
- A gateway sits at the boundary of a network and connects it to other networks (including dissimilar networks with different protocols).
- All inbound and outbound traffic is funnelled through the gateway before it can be routed to its final destination.
Why the distractors are wrong
- (A) Modem — converts digital signals to analog (and back) for transmission over telephone/cable lines; it does not manage routing of traffic between networks.
- (C) Switch — connects devices within the same LAN using MAC addresses; it works inside one network, not as its entry/exit boundary.
- (D) Repeater — simply regenerates and amplifies a weakening signal to extend cable length; it has no role in routing or network boundaries.
Interesting facts
A gateway can connect networks running entirely different protocol stacks — e.g., linking a traditional PSTN telephone network to a VoIP network.
Home Wi-Fi routers usually combine the functions of a router, switch, and gateway into a single device, which is why the term 'gateway' is often loosely used for a home router.
Question details
Q18 of 48 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 12
- Subject
- Computer Science
- Year
- 2026
- Section
- Section A
- Marks
- 1
- Type
- MCQ
- Chapter
- Computer Networks
- Topic
- Network Devices — Gateway
- Bloom's level
- understand
- Syllabus topic
- Unit 2: Computer Networks — Network Devices (Gateway)
- Author
- CBSE
- Reviewed by
- Padhantu Academic Team
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Frequently asked questions
How is a Gateway different from a Router?
A router forwards data between networks using the same protocol, while a gateway can connect networks using different protocols, translating data as needed.
Is a Gateway the same as a Modem?
No. A modem modulates/demodulates signals for transmission over telephone or cable lines, while a gateway manages entry/exit routing between networks, often of different types.