IoT Gateways
IoT Gateways
IoT gateways are key components in the Internet of Things IoT. They serve as a bridge between the cloud server and the local devices or machines that need to be networked.
They act as translators between the different interfaces and protocols - in real time.
IoT gateways are also used where components are to be connected to fieldbus systems.
But that's not all: modern IoT systems do not have all data processed by the cloud server. Instead, they reduce the network and server load by processing the data on site (edge computing). They collect data from IoT devices, carry out an initial analysis and send the pre-processed information to the cloud server.
As a rule, IoT gateways also offer various security functions such as encryption to ensure data integrity and prevent unauthorized data access.
Depending on the area of application, IoT gateways also function as a platform for controlling and monitoring the connected devices.
Why IoT gateways are important
The more digitization and automation of industry (keyword Industry 4.0) progresses, the more essential IoT gateways become:
- The number of IoT devices is constantly increasing. In Industry 4.0, all important components will be networked - and each of them will send data to the cloud server. This is where edge computing components such as intelligent IoT gateways are needed.
- The variety of IoT interfaces is increasing. In some areas, there is a proliferation of official and unofficial interface standards. IoT gateways make it possible to flexibly connect almost any interface to a network.
- The more sensitive data machines send into a network, the more urgent the call for security becomes. IoT gateways are an indispensable component in networks to ensure data security and data protection.
- Modern industrial concepts such as digital twins require seamless machine-to-machine communication. IoT gateways are key components here.
- Data analysis and data visualization are becoming more important for all machine manufacturers. IoT gateways also play an important role here.
How an IoT gateway works
Strictly speaking, the IoT gateway is a mini-computer with special interfaces. Depending on the configuration, it has different network interfaces:
- Radio modules for various standards (WLAN, Bluetooth, LoRa, etc.),
- Ethernet for TCP/IP communication
- Industrial Ethernet protocols such as EtherCAT, Profinet CCB RT1, EtherNet/IP or even Sercos III
- Industrial interfaces such as CAN, UART etc.
Linux is generally used as the operating system.
The processor and RAM must be sufficiently powerful to meet real-time requirements.
The functionality of an intelligent IoT gateway with edge computing capabilities can be divided into four main processes:
- data collection: The gateway collects data from the IoT devices. This data can come from sensors, actuators or other IoT devices.
- data processing: The collected data is pre-processed in the gateway, for example filtered, segmented, converted into another format or aggregated.
- security: The data is encrypted before transmission. In addition, the gateway ensures secure authentication of the devices involved in the communication.
- data transmission: The gateway forwards the processed data to the network, for example via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or LoRa.
The solutions from emtrion
We offer two systems:
- Flex2COM is an IoT gateway for industrial real-time communication via Ethernet. This device is a proven solution for fieldbus communication with various protocols. DIN rail mounting is also possible.
- RockEM is a flexible IoT gateway for uncomplicated connection and convenient operation via a web interface. It is designed to meet the needs of the manufacturing industry. We offer white label support and individual customizations for OEMs.
Get to know our IoT gateways better
We would be pleased to provide you with individual advice; please contact us to set up a simple consultation.