Protocol Converters Manufacturers

Protocol converters, also known as gateways, are needed for communication between different stacks. They are used to convert the signal in one protocol to another to bridge network segments that use different MAC protocols. This allows machines from different manufacturers to communicate. Gateways that connect two IP-based networks, like TCP/IP with IPX/SPX, have two IP addresses, one on each network. The addresses of computers connected to the LAN are hidden behind the gateway. That is, the WAN can only see the gateway's IP address. Network Address Translation is performed to regulate the traffic between WAN and LAN.