# 4. Centralized API Gateways vs. RouterLink

| Aspect                 | Centralized Gateways     | RouterLink                  |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------ | --------------------------- |
| **Routing Control**    | Single operator          | Independent nodes           |
| **Usage Verification** | Opaque metrics           | PoTU signed receipts        |
| **Performance Data**   | Provider-reported        | Cross-node PoLP validation  |
| **Settlement**         | Discretionary, off-chain | Protocol-defined, auditable |
| **Participation**      | Closed                   | Role-based, open            |
| **Trust Model**        | Trust the operator       | Trust the protocol          |

**It’s not a better version of the same system — it’s a fundamentally different system.**