A DMZ network, or Demilitarized Zone, acts as a buffer between two segregated networks, typically using firewalls to control traffic between an internal network and the internet. This network architecture is crucial for API security, especially as organizations increasingly rely on APIs which expand the digital attack surface. The Kong API Gateway offers a solution for safely managing API traffic through various deployment models. The initial setup places the gateway in the DMZ to regulate and log external requests, but as the number of internal systems grows, a more secure alternative involves moving the gateway inside the internal network to maintain security while still controlling access. For more complex environments with internal applications needing separate API access, additional instances of the gateway can be deployed to segregate internal and external API traffic. Each deployment model has its benefits and challenges, and the choice should be guided by specific security needs and risk assessments. Kong's flexibility allows for tailored solutions to these evolving security requirements.