Software/hardware that allows connection to other networks is often referred to as what?

The term that describes software or hardware enabling connections to other networks is commonly known as a gateway. A gateway acts as a "gate" between two networks, allowing communication and data transfer across different protocols that may not be directly compatible. This is particularly important in networking, as it helps integrate various network architectures and facilitate communication between disparate systems.

For instance, when a home network needs to connect to the internet, a gateway typically provides that connection. It translates data and allows devices on one side of the gateway to communicate with devices on the other side, making it essential in inter-networking scenarios. The gateway can handle different data formats and protocols, ensuring that messages are properly routed and understood across the networks.

While routers also help direct traffic between networks and may, in some cases, function similarly to gateways, their primary role is routing data packets between networks rather than translating protocols. Access points enable wireless devices to connect to a wired network but do not typically function as gateways. Proxy servers act as intermediaries for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers but do not inherently facilitate connections between different networks in the same way that gateways do.