The gate allowed the Borg to open a transwarp conduit from the gate's location to any other point. Any number of starships could enter the conduit and arrive at the other side as long as the portal was open. However, a great deal of energy was spent in opening as well as sustaining the gateway which would eventually shut down until the energy could be built up once again. This prevented the gate from being opened permanently but did allow the Borg a range of mobility for their forces. (ST video games: Armada, Armada II)