routers vs gateways

[hot dog]

Just a quick question...  I've read the difference between routers and gateways several times and still trying to distinguish the two. 

If I have multiple networks at home, for example, can I connect those networks using gateways or would there have to be something more intelligent with routing tables to forward all the packets?

[Quantos]

You could do either.  It depends on what you want the outcome to be.

[hot dog]

In the simplest terms, the difference between a router and gateway, as far as I can tell, is that a gateway translates incoming data into protocol that is understood by the receiving network, and a router simply routes data to the receiving networks according to routing tables..

So if all a gateway does is translate protocols (unless I'm missing something), how would it know how to send data to the right network? 

[Quantos]

Are you having a problem or just looking for information?

There isn't anything wrong with looking for information, I just don't want to waste your time with troubleshooting if you don't need it.

[hot dog]

I'm just looking for info..   


If I could see an example of how gateways are used to connect multiple networks it might help me understand better how they are used..

I use an AT&T 2wire gateway at home to connect to the internet.......It connects to my ISP using an RJ 11 port...    It has four ports for LAN connections....  Instead of connecting computers to those connections, could I connect four more gateways and have four more networks..Would I be able to assign separate Network IDs to those four gateways, or would I need to use routers instead?