Gateway vs Router vs Switch in BACnet

Gateway

Router

Switch

Purpose

Makes it possible for two dissimilar network protocols (BACnet/Modbus) to communicate and regulates the traffic between them. It is a translator.

Regulates traffic between two similar network protocols that may use different communication protocols.

Allows for more devices to be connected to the same network.

Summary

Analogy

A translator in a business meeting translating English to Japanese

A mediator in a debate relaying information

A postman bringing a letter from one town to the next