Gateway
A gateway is a hardware or software component that connects networks or protocols. Gateways enable communication between IoT devices such as sensors, actuators, and control units, as well as with central platforms. They collect and process data, coordinating the exchange between interconnected systems. As a result, they play a crucial role in automation and efficiency within buildings.
A gateway transfers data between various communication protocols, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, or Ethernet, ensuring interoperability between devices with different standards. Gateways manage the entire data traffic, prioritize information, and often facilitate cloud connections. In mesh networks, they act as a central control unit, coordinating the evaluation of sensor data and forwarding commands to devices.
Gateways are used in a variety of areas. In energy management, they capture sensor data related to consumption and optimize systems such as heating or air conditioning. For security applications, the gateway processes data from access control systems and forwards it to platforms responsible for monitoring and control. Gateways also play a central role in IoT-driven applications like asset tracking and workspace booking systems by aggregating and making data available in real time.
By integrating technologies such as self-healing mesh networks or cloud-based platforms, gateways greatly expand their capabilities. Features like Over-the-Air (OTA) updates allow connected devices to be wirelessly updated, while real-time analytics enable dynamic optimization of building structures. This contributes to more efficient operations and clearer data usage.
Gateways are essential for connected infrastructures. They ensure seamless communication between devices and provide high flexibility for integrating new technologies, enhancing the efficiency and connectivity of modern systems.