You can connect Avaya branch gateways to an Avaya server directly or through other gateways. Gateways are the stackable and modular hardware elements of the communication system and deliver connectivity to different endpoint and trunk types. Gateways provide data, voice, fax, video, and messaging capabilities to the network. Bearer networks are connections between gateways that allow the passage of media types. Control networks are connections between the server and the gateways for call-control signaling.