The IP-GATE is an intelligent gateway that allows IP traffic from a LAN segment to be transported across a WAN. Its principal application is for widely distributed, high-reliability or high-security IP networking. It allows for the presence of an Ethernet segment where there is only a SAM, MPC or Node.

The IP-GATE is not a bridge. It makes intelligent decisions about what is to be routed and what is not to be routed on the WAN. It works by building prioritized routing tables, where traffic that is not local is routed through the WAN. It needs little configuration and does not rely on classical routing protocols. As such, it is not subject to "Routing Flap" failures that are prevalent today.

The IP-GATE supports both RS232-C and V.35 interfaces to the WAN. The LAN segment interface is 10BaseT through a standard RJ45 connector. The interface to the WAN may be configured to operate from 9600 baud through T1, inclusive

The IP-FANOUT application runs on a Datakit Applications Processor (DKAP) Module. This application performs a distribution function, where an IP-GATE located at a remote site is connected to the DKAP via a virtual circuit on the WAN. IP PDUs that emanate from a single IP-GATE at a central index site are sent by the IP-FANOUT application to only the intended remote sites. Because of the IP-GATE unit's ability to make intelligent routing decisions, the IP PDUs are not broadcast throughout the entire WAN. At the remote site, IP-GATE unit(s) connected to a SAM, MPC or Node pass native IP traffic to the local IP network.

The IP-GATE is an intelligent gateway for the transport of IP over existing WANs. It will transport existing IP LAN traffic over a secure WAN. It can be used with SAMs, MPCs and Nodes, and when used with IP-FANOUT the IP-GATE can be used for widely distributed IP-based networks.