Explanation
To route traffic to the next network. An IPv4 gateway is a device that connects two or more networks and forwards packets based on their destination IP addresses. It acts as an intermediary between a host and the rest of the internet, allowing communication across different networks. A gateway does not distribute IP addresses, generate ARP traffic, or assign APIPA addresses, as these are functions of other network components.
Reference: [CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Certification Study Guide], page 29.