Gateways are network points that act as an entrance to another network. A node or stopping point can be either a gateway node or a host (end-point) node. Get nearest server Get nearest server is a request packet sent by a client on an ipx network to locate the nearest active server of a particular type. An ipx network client issues a gns request to solicit either a direct response from a connected server or a response from a router that tells it where on the inter-network the service can be located. Gns is part of the ipx sap.