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- Hi, my name is Jada,
and I'm a Best Buy Home Expert.
And today I'm going to talk about gateways.
Now, there are a few types of gateways.
The type I'll be covering today,
are the ones that you typically use in your home.
Also known as residential gateways.
All right, let's get started.
First, let me set the stage
by walking you through the networking equipment
commonly used in a home.
The modem receives the line
directly from the internet service provider,
often referred to as an ISP.
This is usually a coax cable coming from the wall,
delivering the internet to the modem.
Then the WiFi router is often connected,
using an ethernet cable to the modem.
The WiFi transmits the internet wirelessly
to the rest of the house.
So in most setups,
there are two separate devices working together
to receive the internet signal,
and then send it to the wireless devices.
A gateway is a single device that handles both.
So it serves as the modem,
and the WiFi router.
Take this Netgear CAX30S-100NAS.
Just like a modem,
you can connect a coax cable
from the ISP directly to the back.
And just like a WiFi router,
you can connect four devices to the ethernet ports.
So again, it's a modem and a router in a single device.
Gateways offer similar functionality to modems and routers.
For example, depending on the model
they can send dual-band signals,
one on the 2.4 gigahertz frequency
and one on the five gigahertz frequency.
The 2.4 gigahertz frequency is usually a little slower
but extends further.
Whereas the five gigahertz signal is typically faster,
but has shorter reach.
So what's the benefit of having a gateway
instead of a traditional modem and WiFi route combo?
Well, they're typically supplied by your ISP
because they're easier to troubleshoot.
By having both functions taking place in a single unit,
they don't have to navigate the complexity of potentially
two separate manufacturers and device settings.
So it's easier when it comes to device management,
which is a benefit to the ISP
if they have to troubleshoot an issue remotely.
You might also wanna a gateway
If you have phone service through your ISP.
Some gateways will allow you
to plug in a standard telephone to route your phone calls
over your internet connection.
Otherwise known as Voice over internet protocol, or VoIP.
This is helpful
because you can make long-distance calls
for little to no expense,
compared to a traditional phone line.
Now, even though the ISP
usually provides gateways for a rental fee,
it doesn't mean you have to use it.
There are quite a few options that might be better
and could save you money
by purchasing instead of renting.
For example, check out this Netgear CAX30S-100NAS.
If you have a gateway,
check with your ISP to find out what you're paying,
as well as finding out
which gateways are compatible with their service,
and for your specific internet service.
Then you can compare that
to the cost of buying a new compatible model.
Another benefit of a gateway versus a traditional modem
and router combo
is that it's simply less clutter.
Fewer devices, power cords, and cables,
it's just a cleaner look.
So those are a few of the benefits.
However, there are also a number of drawbacks.
Let me explain a few of the most common ones.
First.
By keeping the modem and WiFi router separate,
you can update one when new technology is released.
Routers have evolved quite a bit over the past few years,
as smart home technology,
like doorbells, security cameras, and smart lighting,
are becoming more common.
So having the ability to solely upgrade your WiFi router,
is a benefit.
The same is true with modem technology.
They're getting faster by adding more channels,
so having the ability to solely upgrade your modem
without having to touch your WiFi router,
might be beneficial.
And finally, the wireless antennas and configuration options
in a gateway might not be as powerful,
as some of the standalone WiFi routers.
For example, some of the more advanced features
such as VPN, quality of service, also known as QoS,
and other controls,
might not be available or easy to adjust,
compared to a standalone WiFi router.
So, there you have it.
That's what a gateway is,
and how it's often used.
Hopefully, this video was helpful.
If you're ready to get started,
visit a blue shirt in one of our stores,
check out the options on bestbuy.com,
or use the link below
to set up time with a Best Buy Home Expert like me.
We'll be happy to help.
Thanks for watching.
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