fourway

Fourway is a term used in several contexts to denote something involving four directions, paths, or options. In general discourse, it describes a point or object characterized by four distinct routes or ways to proceed.

In traffic engineering, a four-way intersection is formed when two roads cross, creating four possible directions for traffic to travel. A related configuration is the four-way stop, where all approaches to the intersection are required to stop and proceed according to local right-of-way rules. These terms are common in road design, urban planning, and driving guidance literature.

In computing and networking, the phrase four-way handshake refers to a four-step process used to establish a secure connection and confirm mutual keys between parties. This sequence is particularly associated with wireless security protocols such as WPA and WPA2, where it helps verify authenticity and derive encryption keys before data transmission begins.

Geographically, Fourway appears as part of place names in various regions, most notably as Fourways (with an S) in South Africa, a suburb of Johannesburg. The area is known for residential neighborhoods and commercial centers, including shopping facilities and business parks connected to the broader Gauteng province.

The term is also used as a brand or product name by different companies, reflecting its generic meaning of “four ways” without implying a single, unified definition. In such cases, the exact usage depends on the domain, ranging from retail to construction or technology-related branding.