# gateway

# `openclaw gateway`

The Gateway serves as OpenClaw's WebSocket server managing channels, nodes, sessions, and hooks. All subcommands operate under the `openclaw gateway` namespace.

## Running the Gateway

Launch a local Gateway with:

```bash
openclaw gateway
```

Key startup requirements include setting `gateway.mode=local` in configuration, though `--allow-unconfigured` bypasses this for development. The system blocks loopback binding without authentication as a safety measure.

## Query Commands

Gateway queries use WebSocket RPC with flexible output formatting (human-readable by default, JSON via `--json` flag).

**Available commands:**
- `gateway health`: checks Gateway connectivity
- `gateway status`: displays service status plus optional RPC probe
- `gateway probe`: comprehensive debug command scanning configured and localhost gateways
- `gateway call <method>`: low-level RPC helper for custom operations

## Service Management

Standard lifecycle commands include:

```bash
openclaw gateway install
openclaw gateway start
openclaw gateway stop
openclaw gateway restart
openclaw gateway uninstall
```

## Gateway Discovery

The `gateway discover` command scans for Gateway beacons using multicast DNS-SD (`_openclaw-gw._tcp`). Discovery records include details like WebSocket ports, SSH configuration, and TLS fingerprints when applicable.

Related documentation sections: Bonjour configuration, discovery protocols, and system configuration settings.