What is a node in a computer network that allows data to flow from one discrete network to another?

In a computer network, a node that facilitates the flow of data between two different networks is known as a gateway. A gateway serves as a "gate" between two networks, which may use different protocols or architectures. This device enables communication and data transfer across diverse systems by translating the necessary protocols, thus allowing data to move seamlessly from one network type to another.

Gateways not only route data but can also perform various functions, like protocol translation, which is essential when connecting different kinds of networks. They are typically used for connecting a corporate network to the Internet or linking internal networks with external networks.

In contrast, while routers also direct data packets between networks, their primary function is to route traffic within similar network types or between different segments of the same network rather than functioning as a bridge across dissimilar networks. Switches operate at the data link layer and deal with traffic within a local area network by transmitting frames to devices within that same network segment. Hubs are basic devices that connect multiple Ethernet devices, making them function as a single network segment without any data filtering or intelligent routing capabilities. These differences highlight the unique role of gateways in facilitating broader network communication.