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Networking Devices for Linking Systems with Separate Protocols

Networking Devices for Linking Systems with Separate Protocols

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Nov 4, 2026

In computer networks, different interconnection devices operate at different layers of the OSI model and therefore support different kinds of “linking” between systems. When the two networks/systems use separate protocols (i.e., they are not directly compatible at the same networking layer), the device commonly used to connect them is the Gateway.

The core idea is:

  • Bridge joins networks at the data-link layer and is typically used when the segments use compatible protocols at that layer.
  • Hub is a simple physical-layer broadcaster, not a protocol translator.
  • Repeater also operates at Layer 1 and does not interpret protocols.
  • Gateway is intended for protocol conversion/translation, enabling communication across heterogeneous networks.

A simplified OSI view is: gateways can handle transformations across layers, while bridges/hubs/repeaters do not provide the same translation capability.

4

Footnotes

  1. Bridge (networking) - Describes bridge function and OSI layer behavior. ↩

  2. Gateway - Defines gateways as devices connecting networks/protocols and translating between them. ↩

  3. Repeater (networking) - Explains repeaters regenerate signals and extend distance. ↩

  4. Hub (networking) - Defines hubs as multiport repeaters that broadcast frames/data. ↩

Networking Devices: Hub, Bridge, Router, Gateway (OS/OSI layer view)

Key terms (exam-relevant)

  • Repeater: Extends distance; does not translate protocols.
  • Hub: Broadcasts to all ports; no intelligence for protocol mapping.
  • Bridge: Connects LAN segments at data-link layer.
  • Gateway: Connects networks with different protocol stacks.

4

Footnotes

  1. Bridge (networking) - Describes bridge function and OSI layer behavior. ↩

  2. Gateway - Defines gateways as devices connecting networks/protocols and translating between them. ↩

  3. Repeater (networking) - Explains repeaters regenerate signals and extend distance. ↩

  4. Hub (networking) - Defines hubs as multiport repeaters that broadcast frames/data. ↩

Correct choice for the question

Given: “if the systems use separate protocols, which device is used to link two systems?”

✅ Answer: (ii) Gateway

Reason: A gateway performs protocol translation, enabling communication between heterogeneous networks/systems that would otherwise not interoperate directly.

2

Footnotes

  1. Bridge (networking) - Describes bridge function and OSI layer behavior. ↩

  2. Gateway - Defines gateways as devices connecting networks/protocols and translating between them. ↩

How to decide among Repeater, Hub, Bridge, Gateway (separate protocols)

  1. 1
    Step 1

    If the networks use separate/incompatible protocols, you need a device that can translate between protocol stacks (gateway).

  2. 2
    Step 2

    If the options include devices like repeater/hub, note they typically regenerate or broadcast signals and do not translate protocols.

  3. 3
    Step 3

    If the problem mentions LAN segment interconnection with compatible Layer 2 behavior, that points to a bridge—but not protocol translation across different stacks.

  4. 4
    Step 4

    "Choose the device that connects networks using different protocols: gateway."

    4

    Footnotes

    1. Bridge (networking) - Describes bridge function and OSI layer behavior. ↩

    2. Gateway - Defines gateways as devices connecting networks/protocols and translating between them. ↩

    3. Repeater (networking) - Explains repeaters regenerate signals and extend distance. ↩

    4. Hub (networking) - Defines hubs as multiport repeaters that broadcast frames/data. ↩

Exam shortcut

"If the question explicitly says “separate protocols”, the intended keyword is protocol translation → Gateway."

Footnotes

  1. Gateway - Defines gateways as devices connecting networks/protocols and translating between them. ↩

Common confusion

"Students often confuse bridge vs gateway: a bridge connects LAN segments (data-link level), while a gateway translates between different protocol stacks."

2

Footnotes

  1. Bridge (networking) - Describes bridge function and OSI layer behavior. ↩

  2. Gateway - Defines gateways as devices connecting networks/protocols and translating between them. ↩

Which device matches the requirement (separate protocols)?

Scores indicate how directly each device addresses protocol translation vs signal rebroadcasting/segmentation.

Related concepts you may be tested on

Knowledge Check

Question 1 of 4
Q1Single choice

If two systems use separate (different) protocols, which device is used to link them?

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