In the field of industrial automation and the Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing gateways play an indispensable role as key hubs. With years of experience in the field of edge terminals, IOTRouter has launched the EG series of edge computing gateways. This series of edge gateways provides partners with powerful system integration capabilities with its rich industry protocol adaptations, powerful remote operation and maintenance capabilities, diverse data storage methods, and reliable network self-recovery functions. In this article, we will discuss in detail the multiple values brought to partners by IOTRouter’s deeply customized Node-RED Edge computing gateway, and look forward to the EG series products becoming an important force in promoting the intelligent transformation of the industry.
1. Extensive PLC Protocol Adaptation
IOTRouter’s EG series gateways support the private protocols of the major PLC brands on the market. For system integrators, this means easier communication with PLC devices of different brands. Massive memory supports a large number of data points, making it easier for system integrators to handle large projects. Wide compatibility effectively reduces the need for additional protocol conversion equipment, thereby lowering overall project costs.
2. Multi-industry protocol adaptation
EG series gateways are compatible with a variety of industry protocols, including BACnet, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, DL645, CJ188, IEC104, OPC UA, and so on. The support of multiple industry protocols enables system integration improving system compatibility and flexibility. With built-in support for multiple protocols, system integration can avoid purchasing additional protocol conversion equipment and software licenses, further reducing project costs.
3. Deeply customized Node-Red platforms
Node-Red is a stream-based development tool mainly used for connecting hardware devices, APIs, and online services. IOTRouter has been deeply customized on this basis, providing rich Node-Red controls and self-developed nodes, and continuously enriching the protocols encapsulated into the nodes. This allows system integrators to realize complex logic programming through simple drag-and-drop operations quickly.
4. Deeply self-developed PLC nodes
IOTRouter is one of the few mature solution vendors in the market. The Node-Red cases and nodes independently developed by IOTRouter cover a wide range of application scenarios and protocol interfaces. It has been widely used and highly recognized at home and abroad. When using these self-developed nodes, system integrators are not only able to significantly shorten development time but also ensure system reliability and stability.
5. Remote Operations and Programming
The remote operation and programming functions of EG series gateways greatly reduce the maintenance costs of system integrators. No matter where the gateway is installed, as long as the network is normal, you can remotely access the configuration and programming page of the gateway to realize remote debugging, operation, and maintenance. This not only reduces the frequency and cost of travel but also improves response time and ensures that the system returns to normal operation in the shortest possible time. By reducing on-site maintenance and travel expenses, system integrators can significantly reduce O&M costs.
6. Virtual Network Ports and Virtual Serial Ports
EG series gateways support virtual network port and virtual serial port functions, allowing system integrators’ computers to remotely access the LAN where the gateway is located or devices connected by serial ports. With this feature, system integrator customers can easily upload and download PLC programs and touchscreen programs remotely, as well as remotely operate and maintain servers and debug serial sensors. This design greatly improves the operation and maintenance efficiency, while reducing the dependence on on-site technicians and lowering labor costs.
7. Multiple data storage options
EG series gateways support three data storage methods: cache queue, file read/write, and influxDB. Cache queue can cache data in the queue in case of network disconnection, file read/write is suitable for small data volume and low-frequency data storage, and influxDB is suitable for time-sequential database, which is able to write SQL statements according to demand. This variety of data storage options allows system integration to choose the most appropriate storage method based on actual needs, improving the flexibility and reliability of data management. Without the need to purchase additional expensive storage solutions, system integration can effectively reduce data storage costs.
8. Network self-recovery function
Network stability is the lifeline for the normal operation of edge computing gateways.EG series gateways support multiple network communication modes with automatic switching function. Whether it is a wired network, Wi-Fi, or mobile network, it can realize seamless switching to ensure high availability and stability of the system. The network self-recovery function reduces the downtime loss caused by network interruption and improves the overall economic efficiency of the system.
9. Low cost of customization
Thanks to the visual programming of the Node-RED platform and the support of self-developed nodes, EG series gateways are very fast in interfacing with sensor protocols and third-party platform protocols (e.g., MQTT protocol JSON format customization), and the cost is reduced significantly. The gateway is shipped with only basic capabilities, and system integrators can customize the development according to the actual demand scenarios, which improves the flexibility and economy of the project. By reducing customization development time and costs, system integration can significantly reduce total project costs.
10. Cost-performance advantages
The EG Series Edge Computing Gateway from IOTRouter stands out in the market with its high-cost performance. Compared with other similar products, EG series gateways offer powerful features at a more competitive price. By integrating rich protocol support, powerful remote operation and maintenance capabilities, diverse data storage methods, and reliable network self-recovery, system integrators can obtain a comprehensive solution without additional investment. The excellent price/performance ratio makes EG series gateways the best choice for system integrators with limited budget.
EG series edge computing gateways, with their rich protocol adaptations, powerful remote operation and maintenance capabilities, diverse data storage methods, reliable network self-recovery functions, and efficient visualization programming, provide great value for system integration. It not only simplifies the workflow of system integration but also improves the flexibility and economy of the project and ensures the leading position in the fierce market competition. At the same time, EG series gateways provide system integration customers with significant cost savings and higher ROI due to their excellent price/performance ratio.