What is an IoT gateway? Benefits and examples

As the internet society has developed, many so-called internet terms have come into wide use. However, many working people seem to have only a vague familiarity with important internet terms without understanding them deeply.

“IoT gateway” is one of them, and it is an essential term especially for people working in IT departments.

Let’s explain what an IoT gateway is in plain terms.

Benefits of introducing an IoT gateway

It is no exaggeration to say that how to use the internet to improve business results is an issue that will shape companies’ future growth.

In that sense, making effective use of IoT (Internet of Things) is important for companies in every industry. The following sections look more closely at the benefits of IoT for companies.

Features of IoT gateways

An IoT gateway relays between devices that communicate over the internet so that they can exchange data on servers or in the cloud. The data these devices use includes not just documents but also high-resolution images and video. Exchanging these as is would put a heavy load on servers and disrupt communication.

The IoT gateway is an internet relay system put into practical use to solve this problem by relaying communication through the gateway.

The role of an IoT gateway

In an IoT gateway system, data is sent to the gateway from terminals called edge devices, such as PCs and smartphones equipped with sensors, and the IoT gateway relays the data and forwards it to servers or the cloud.

With IoT gateways, terminals no longer need equipment for accessing data directly, which has made PCs, smartphones, and other terminals smaller and cheaper.

Points to compare before introducing an IoT gateway

The biggest difference between an IoT gateway and an ordinary router is that it supports many communication standards. It enables communication between many types of protocols, which was not possible with router communication based on common IP, and it also improves communication stability.

In addition, wireless connections have improved, enabling stress-free internet communication. For companies that want to support various communication protocols or improve their communication environment, it is an ideal device.

Examples of the cost of introducing an IoT gateway

In response to demand, manufacturers have released many kinds of IoT gateway products. It is best to choose by matching each product’s features to your company’s needs.

Market prices vary widely, from around JPY 10,000 for inexpensive products to around JPY 100,000 to 500,000 for high-end models with many functions.

Some manufacturers first find out what each company needs and then present a quote to meet those needs.

The versatility of IoT gateways

Many industries especially need IoT gateways, and industry is paying attention to their versatility. Not only companies with branch networks across Japan and companies with a lot of business outside Japan, but also companies in distribution, manufacturing, agriculture, and other fields that handle many products, have needed an internet communication system that can respond quickly to diverse businesses.

IoT gateways are becoming an essential system for checking products and communicating with branches, and introducing one early can be a good choice for growing your business.

IoT gateways and Bluetooth

Bluetooth has different characteristics from Wi-Fi, but some internet users seem unsure how it differs from IoT gateways, just as with routers.

Bluetooth has a shorter range and lower speed than Wi-Fi, but it uses little power, so it is suited to earphones and speakers. IoT gateway devices with Bluetooth for cloud integration are also on the market, mainly for home use.

IoT gateway security

In Japan, the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) have set out the “IoT Security Guidelines” in cooperation with the IoT Acceleration Consortium, a private organization of industry and academia. The guidelines list the following five items as key principles.

• Set basic policies that take the nature of IoT into account
• Recognize the risks of IoT
• Consider designs that protect what should be protected
• Consider measures on the network
• Maintain a safe and secure state, and share and disseminate information

Many examples of IoT gateway use

IoT gateways are used in many fields of Japanese industry, and their effectiveness has been reported. Here are some typical examples.

(1) For new electricity, gas, and water metering systems

Projects are under way to turn the measurements needed for lifelines such as electricity, gas, and water into smart meters with IoT systems. Meters installed in each area can be managed centrally with very small IoT gateway devices.

(2) Preventing communication problems in remote areas

Failures of communication equipment in remote places such as mountain areas, or underground, where radio reception is poor, can sometimes be a serious matter of life and death. With an IoT gateway system, you can check the connection status.

(3) Automating temperature and humidity management and record keeping in factories

Food factories and similar facilities are required by law to maintain strict hygiene. Introducing IoT gateways has made it possible for the head office to manage the necessary current values for each plant smoothly in one place.

IoT gateway functions are also effective for remote monitoring of pump operation in factories.

Summary

IT technology is advancing day by day. To make effective use of the internet, introducing an IoT gateway is desirable.

However, no matter how convenient a system is, it must be handled correctly by people who know its characteristics well.

It is important to understand IoT gateways deeply so that they become a system that contributes greatly to your company’s growth.

amnimo supports the introduction of IoT gateways at public facilities, power plants, and other sites.

We have published a brochure on IoT gateways. If you are interested, see it below.