Air gap (networking)

An air gap (sometimes called an "air wall") is a way of creating two sections of a computer network that are completely separated, or "air gapped." This helps keep one section secure from the other. Think of it like having one group of kids on the "safe" side of a fence, and another group on the other side of a tall fence that can't reach across to the safe side. The tall fence is the air gap.

The purpose of an air gap is security. By keeping the two parts separated, it keeps the secure side safe from potential threats on the other side of the air gap. It also makes it harder for someone to attack or get into the secure side. It works like a barrier, and makes it difficult for someone to jump across and get into the safe side.