People often ask what a gateway is. What is the role of a gateway? Do I need a gateway? As an IoT practitioner, I often face these issues. In this article, as an engineer, I will introduce you to the definition, role, and application of IoT gateways. To talk about gateways, let's first talk about what the "Internet of Things" (IoT) is.
Here, let's explain the definition of the Internet of Things in detail. The term "Internet of Things" (IoT) generally refers to everything connected to the Internet. Still, it's increasingly being used to describe all "smart" devices, including watches, refrigerators, cars, and other items that can "talk" to each other.
These systems build a network of physical things (or "things") that connect and exchange information with other systems and devices over the internet. Now that wireless networks and inexpensive computer chips have been developed, anything can be an integral part of the IoT.
Examples of common "things" connected to the internet include smart toasters, connected thermometers, and cat collars. IoT devices include connected office lights, thermostats, motion sensors, and light bulbs that can be turned on and off using mobile apps.
So, despite the large number of sensors that computers have, they are generally not considered Internet of Things (IoT) devices any more than they are considered smartphones. However, smartwatches, fitness bands, and other wearables may be classified as IoT devices.
IoT architectures consist of "things" with intelligent and embedded systems (processors, sensors, and hardware). These devices collect data from the environment and use it to send, manage, and store data and systems. To analyze and share the sensor data they collect, IoT devices connect to IoT gateways, IoT platforms, or other devices.
IoT platforms are used to identify patterns, develop recommendations, and identify potential problems before they arise. IoT developers can collect data more efficiently and dynamically by using machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).
What is an IoT gateway?
An IoT gateway is essentially a smart hub for IoT devices. IoT gateways connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices to the cloud and each other, communicating and filtering data into useful information.
Back-end platforms (data, device and user management) and end devices (sensors, actuators, or more complex devices) are connected to IoT gateways via communication technologies. It has a computing platform that supports pre-installed or user-defined applications to manage data, devices, security, communications, and other gateway-related functions (for routing and computing at the edge).
