What is an IoT Gateway?
All data moving to or from a cloud, goes through a gateway, which can be- a hardware device or software program. An IoT gateway is a device or program that is the connection point between the cloud and controllers, sensors or smart devices. This is also known as an intelligent gateway or a control tier.
A gateway also acts as a platform to pre-process the data locally before sending it on to the cloud. Which is particularly important when there is large points of data is being generated. The response time and network transmission costs are also impacted due to by minimization of the volume of data being sent. The IoT gateway can even provide additional security for the network and data in both directions.
IoT gateways have now become widely popular and have a plethora of purposes. They have evolved to perform tasks from data filtering and visualization to even complex analytics. Below is a simple pictorial representation of an IoT gateway in a practical application. This makes in evident that the gateway acts as a bridge.
What basic functionalities should an IoT gateway have?
1. Secure upstream Internet and downstream LAN connectivity
Similar to a router, the IoT Gateway provides Internet connectivity and packet routing between the devices and IoT application server by using some other type of internet connectivity like WiFi. The IoT Gateway creates a LAN (Local Area Network) that can be either wired, wireless or P2P. This is then used by sensors or other devices to connect to it.
It also provides secure data connectivity between the device to the gateway and also from the IoT Gateway to the cloud/application server.
2. Edge embedded application
The edge application runs within an application environment that the inbuilt microcontroller or microprocessor. This provides secure connectivity and protocol implementation. As part of the edge embedded applications, some gateways also provide storage within the data and some logic control.
Choosing an IoT gateway:
If you are thinking about integrating a IoT gateway into your project, there are a few factors you need to take into consideration. This will help evaluate which will work best for the main objective and functionality that you
IoT gateway Certification:
The gateway model should be FCC/CE/IC certified, in accordance with the standard compliance required for electronic products. There are also certifications such as Mobile PTCRB/GCF and safety certifications.
Volume of data collection:
The number of sensors being used, determines the volume of data. You may require just a few sensors, a couple hundred or even thousands. The data volume that results from these sensors is a question you need to ask yourself seriously.
This information is not only necessary for choosing which but also how many gateways you want to invest in.
Data storage within the gateway:
If the data being transported through the gateway is sensitive, in the case of network or power failure, the gateway may need to store the data. Factors like the duration over which it can be stored, as well as expansion of memory need to be taken into account.
Filtering:
As we know, IoT gateways can perform some pre-processing analysis on the data before it is sent to the cloud. Thus depending on the requirement, you will have to look into edge-analytics-enabled gateways which are capable of complex analysis.
Location and longevity
Hardy gateways are needed for usage in certain conditions and over a duration of time. Some gateway models can operate in various conditions regardless of pressure, temperature and other external factors. So depending on your need, that too will have to be taken into account.
What features do you require?
It may sometimes be sufficient for your project to use connectivity features such as Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and LAN. However in some cases, longer range options are needed as well. This increases the budget you will need to purchase a versatile gateway.
Security:
Most gateways now come with built-in security measures. But, depending on the need encryption standards, password protection and tamper detection are features not all gateway offers but some users might require.
To read further about the architecture and other features of an IoT gateway, also check out this article.
In conclusion, IoT gateways are a helpful addition to your project. And depending on the scale, and use might be a useful investment. Large industries very often turn to IoT gateways for smooth and secure data transportation. Incorrect choice of gateway, can be a setback in effort and financial strain. So, evaluating the criteria that to choose the right gateway will make a huge overall difference.
