Hardware

What is an IoT gateway?

Short answer

An IoT gateway aggregates local sensors (LoRaWAN, Zigbee, Modbus, OPC UA) and connects them to the cloud via 4G/5G or Ethernet, applying pre-processing, filtering, and sometimes edge ML. It's essential when sensors don't speak IP directly or when you want to process data before sending.

What it actually does

Translates protocols (Modbus/OPC UA to MQTT), aggregates (many sensors → one stream), filters (sends only what matters), buffers offline if the network drops, and optionally runs ML models for local decisions. In industrial environments, almost always needed.

Selection criteria

Supported protocols, connectivity (4G/5G/Ethernet/Wi-Fi), temperature range, power, compute capacity (Docker containers, on-device ML), industrial certifications, and security (TPM, signed boot, remote management).

When you do NOT need one

When devices already speak IP over cellular (MFF2-SIM sensor) and no local processing is needed. An extra gateway is just cost and a failure point.

Protocol translation
Edge processing and ML
Offline buffer
Hardware security (TPM)
Remote management (Docker, OTA)

Tailored offer

IoT gateway comparison

Download our 2026 comparison: 12 industrial gateways evaluated by protocols, cost, security, and lifecycle.

Frequently asked questions

Does a LoRaWAN gateway count as an IoT gateway?+

Partly: it aggregates LoRa but doesn't translate other industrial protocols. For mixed industrial environments, look for multi-protocol gateways.

Linux or RTOS?+

Embedded Linux (Yocto, Ubuntu Core) for gateways with broad functional load and frequent updates. RTOS only in very specific or certification-constrained devices.

Reliable industrial brands?+

Siemens, Advantech, Moxa, Cisco IoT, Eurotech, Lantia IoT Gateway, among others. The choice depends more on fit with your OT and local support than on the brand.