Which device is used to connect networks having different protocols?

Correct option is C

A gateway is a network device used to connect two networks that operate on different protocols. It acts as a protocol converter, translating data from one protocol format to another, enabling communication between heterogeneous networks.
Important Key Points:
1. A gateway operates at the application layer and often includes translation between different communication protocols, formats, or even architectures.
2. Examples of gateways include email gateways, VoIP gateways, and protocol-specific gateways (e.g., IP to X.25).
3. Gateways are critical in enabling communication between networks that otherwise cannot communicate due to protocol incompatibilities.
Knowledge Booster:
· Router: Incorrect, as routers are used to route packets between networks using the same protocol (e.g., IP).
· Switch: Incorrect, as switches operate within a single network and do not deal with different protocols.
· Bridge: Incorrect, as bridges connect two LAN segments using the same communication protocol.