Glossary · IIoT, data and AI
IoT gateway
Also known as: IIoT gateway
German: IoT-Gateway
In IIoT, an IoT gateway is a device or software component that connects field devices and controllers to higher-level networks or cloud platforms, converting protocols (for example Modbus or PROFINET to MQTT or OPC UA), buffering data and enforcing security at the network boundary.
- IIoT
In one sentence
An IoT gateway links field devices to higher-level or cloud systems, converting protocols, buffering data and securing the boundary.
Example
A gateway reads energy meters over Modbus RTU and publishes the values every minute via MQTT over TLS to the company's IoT platform.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
How it applies
- Engineering: Configure which data points are read, at what rate, and how they are mapped and named on the northbound side. Retrofit gateways can make older machines connectable without changing their control software.
- Security: The gateway usually sits on a zone boundary. Prefer outbound connections, restrict services and manage certificates; treat it as part of a Conduit.
- Documentation: Document the mapping from field addresses to published topics or nodes, including units and scaling. This mapping is often the only place where the meaning of a value is recorded.
IoT gateway vs. edge device
An IoT gateway focuses on connectivity and protocol conversion. An Edge device also runs applications on the data. Many products combine both roles.