The main difference between edge gateways and ordinary gateways is their location. An edge gateway is a device in an Internet of Things (IoT) system that connects edge devices and cloud services. It is usually located at the edge between the device and the cloud platform. It can process, filter, store and analyze sensor data locally, thereby reducing data transmission volume and latency, and reducing the load on cloud service operations. Edge gateways have high computing power and storage resources, and can undergo program changes and upgrades as needed to meet different application needs.
Ordinary gateways (also known as middleware or relays) are mainly used to isolate data transmission between different networks, manage and control data transmission traffic, and ensure the security and correctness of data transmission. It does not require much data analysis and processing, but is more responsible for data transmission and forwarding. It is usually used to connect local area networks to the Internet or data transmission between different networks.
Therefore, from a usage perspective, edge gateways focus more on data processing and analysis, while ordinary gateways focus more on connection and control of network communications.