What Makes an IoT Gateway Industrial-Grade?

As industries increasingly adopt the Internet of Things (IoT), the need for reliable, smart systems at the edge becomes crucial. Industrial IoT gateways are engineered to handle demanding conditions and ensure long-term, scalable operation.

Unlike traditional network gateways, industrial IoT gateways must be engineered for much more demanding conditions. They must support a broad array of devices and protocols, all while maintaining 24/7/365 uptime in the toughest of environments. When deploying embedded systems, engineers and developers face several challenges:

1. Diverse Interface Requirements
   Industrial applications rely on legacy systems like RS232 and RS485, along with modern protocols such as Bluetooth, CAN-FD, and fieldbus. A robust industrial gateway must seamlessly manage these diverse interfaces to ensure smooth integration of both old and new technologies.
   
   
2. Built for Harsh Environments
   Industrial environments often involve dust, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and humidity. Industrial-grade gateways are designed with durable components, such as sealed enclosures and reinforced parts, to operate continuously in these tough conditions.
   
   
3. Cybersecurity at the Edge
   Industrial IoT gateways must not only manage data and connectivity but also defend against cyber threats with secure boot, encrypted storage, built-in firewalls, VPN support, regular security updates, and robust authentication -  because protecting the edge is essential to safeguarding the entire industrial network.
   
   
4. Uninterrupted Connectivity and Flexibility
   With varying network configurations, from Ethernet and Wi-Fi to LTE/4G and isolated systems, industrial gateways must maintain reliable connectivity even in remote locations. High-quality, fail-safe options ensure continuous communication, even when internet access is unstable or unavailable.
   
   
5. Long-Term Durability and Scalability
   Industrial systems are built to last, and gateways must support long-term operation with minimal maintenance. These gateways are modular, allowing for easy upgrades and scalability to meet evolving needs over time.
   
   
6. Local Processing with Secure Operation
   Local processing on the gateway reduces latency, optimises bandwidth, and protects sensitive data. This ensures reliable operation, even if network connections are lost, preventing downtime and operational disruptions.
   

The Solution: Tailored IoT Gateways with Flexibility, Scalability, and Performance

We offer industrial IoT gateways tailored for embedded applications, ensuring flexibility, scalability, and robust performance. Our gateways come with comprehensive engineering support for system integration and optimisation.

DIN-Rail Mounted i.MX8Plus Gateway

This compact, modular gateway is ideal for cabinet-mounted environments where space is limited. Key features include:

• Modular Expansion: Add RS485, I/O, or wireless modules to meet specific needs.
• Low Power Consumption: Powered by the i.MX8M Plus processor, it offers high performance with minimal energy use.
• Industrial-Grade Reliability: Built to withstand harsh conditions for long-term deployment.
• Adaptability: Perfect for smart systems, factory automation, and building control.

IoT-GATE-iMX8Plus Gateway PC

This rugged, fanless embedded PC supports complex edge applications with high connectivity demands. Features include:

• Comprehensive Interface Options: Ethernet, CAN-FD, RS485/232, digital I/O, and optional Wi-Fi and LTE.
• Sealed, Fanless Design: Reliable performance in high-vibration or dusty environments.
• Software-Ready Platform: Supports Debian, Yocto, Docker, Node-RED, and Azure IoT.

Cybersecurity Features 

• Secure Boot: Ensures that only authenticated and authorized firmware and software can run on the device, protecting against tampering and malware at startup.
• Encrypted Storage: Sensitive data, firmware, and configurations are securely stored with encryption, safeguarding information even if physical access to the gateway is compromised.
• Built-In Firewall: Configurable firewall settings help control network traffic, limiting exposure to unauthorized access and external threats.
• Secure Software Updates: Supports authenticated, encrypted update mechanisms to safely apply patches and firmware upgrades, reducing vulnerability exposure.
• Hardware-Rooted Security Features: Leverages ARM TrustZone technology (available in the i.MX8M Plus) to create a secure execution environment for critical security functions.
• Long-Term Security Maintenance: Support for ongoing security patches and updates, extending the device's lifecycle while maintaining protection against emerging threats.

Modular Approach for Flexibility and Scalability

Our modular gateways allow easy customisation to meet specific application needs, adapting quickly to changing requirements without significant redesign. This flexibility ensures low-cost, efficient performance as your system evolves.

The Anders Advantage: Engineering Support Beyond the Hardware

We provide extensive engineering services, including:

• Embedded Design Expertise: Custom solutions tailored to your application needs.
• Software and Firmware Support: From driver porting to hardware control, we reduce development time.
• Long-Term Support: Our gateways come with ongoing technical support to ensure they remain operational for years.

So for industrial-grade IoT gateways with comprehensive engineering support to ensure your systems are reliable, scalable, and adaptable to future demands, contact us to discuss your project.