Industrial IoT Gateways for Automation, Edge Computing and Linux

Nord Technology supplies industrial IoT Gateways for automation, data acquisition, remote monitoring, machine integration and Edge Computing. An IoT Gateway acts as the connection between sensors, PLCs, machines and other OT equipment on one side and local IT systems, servers or cloud platforms on the other.

We work with proven platforms from manufacturers such as NXP and Raspberry Pi. Depending on the model and configuration, our IoT Gateway solutions can include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G/LTE, RS232, RS485, CAN/CAN-FD, digital I/O and other industrial interfaces. Industrial communication protocols such as Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP can also be supported.

Note: The products shown on this page represent only a selection of our complete IoT Gateway range.
Through our supplier network, we can provide additional IoT platforms, communication options and customised configurations.

Our focus goes beyond hardware. Nord Technology has worked professionally with Linux and Open Source since 2001, and we can assist with Linux installation, IT security, system images, networking, remote management and customer-specific software.

Industrial IoT Gateways for Data Acquisition and Edge Computing

An industrial IoT Gateway can collect data from sensors, energy meters, PLCs and production equipment and forward it to a local server or cloud platform. Communication with field equipment can, for example, take place via RS485, CAN Bus or Ethernet, while collected data can be transmitted via Ethernet, Wi-Fi or 4G/LTE.

An IoT Edge Gateway can also process data locally. This allows the gateway to filter, structure, store or analyse data before sending it to other systems. Local Edge Computing can reduce network traffic, improve response times and make an installation less dependent on a continuous connection to an external cloud service.

Typical applications include:

• Industrial automation and machine monitoring
• Data acquisition from sensors and production equipment
• RS485 and Modbus communication
• CAN Bus integration
• Energy monitoring and EV charging infrastructure
• HVAC and building automation
• Predictive maintenance
• Transport and telematics
• Remote monitoring and remote management
• Communication between OT, IT and cloud platforms

Linux IoT Gateways

Linux is particularly well suited for industrial IoT projects that require flexibility, stability and control over the software environment. Depending on the selected hardware platform, operating systems such as Debian, Yocto Linux or Raspberry Pi OS can be used.

Nord Technology can configure a Linux IoT Gateway with a minimal and security-hardened Linux installation, Docker and container-based applications, automatic service startup, local data logging, firewall configuration, network segmentation, VPN, secure SSH access, monitoring and update and backup strategies.

We can also develop and install customer-specific scripts, applications and system images. For volume deployments, we can prepare identical installations so that every gateway is delivered with the same software, configuration and security settings.

RS485, Modbus and CAN Bus Gateways

Industrial installations often use communication technologies that differ from those found in conventional IT environments. RS485 is widely used for sensors, meters and industrial controllers, while Modbus RTU is commonly used as a communication protocol over serial connections. CAN Bus and CAN-FD are used in applications such as machinery, vehicles and energy systems.

An RS485 Gateway or Modbus Gateway can collect data from field devices, process it locally and forward relevant information to other systems. Similarly, a CAN Bus Gateway can connect CAN-based equipment with Ethernet, Linux-based applications or cloud platforms.

Depending on the selected gateway and configuration, additional interfaces can include RS232, digital I/O, analogue inputs, GPIO, USB and multiple Ethernet interfaces.

IoT Gateways with Ethernet, Wi-Fi and 4G/LTE

Ethernet is often the preferred connection in factories, control cabinets and other fixed installations. Wi-Fi or 4G/LTE can be useful where cabling is impractical or when an IoT Gateway is installed in a mobile or geographically distributed system.

Selected models can also be powered through Ethernet using PoE Powered Device functionality. Nord Technology can assist with cellular modems, antennas, SIM connectivity and Linux network configuration to ensure that the communication solution matches the requirements of the project.

Rugged IoT Gateways for Industrial Environments

Industrial IoT Gateways are often installed inside control cabinets, machinery, technical enclosures and other environments where standard IT hardware may not be suitable. Depending on the model, industrial gateways can therefore be supplied with fanless cooling, rugged aluminium enclosures, extended operating temperature ranges, wide DC power input, hardware watchdogs and DIN-rail or wall mounting.

Several CompuLab platforms also offer documented long-term product availability. This is particularly valuable for OEM, industrial automation and embedded projects where the same hardware platform may need to remain available for many years.

IoT Security and Secure Linux Gateways

An IoT Gateway is often positioned between OT equipment, internal networks and external systems. Cybersecurity should therefore be considered from the beginning of an industrial IoT project.

Nord Technology can assist with minimal and secure Linux installations, disabling unnecessary services, firewall configuration, network segmentation, VPN, secure SSH access, user and access management, security updates, logging, monitoring, backup strategies and documentation of the system configuration.

On supported hardware platforms, security features such as Secure Boot and TPM can also form part of the solution.

We also provide technical guidance relating to GDPR, NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act when relevant to the project.

CompuLab Industrial IoT Gateways

Nord Technology supplies a range of industrial IoT Gateway platforms from CompuLab:

• IOT-GATE-RPI5 – industrial IoT Gateway based on Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 for IoT, automation and Edge Computing applications.
• IOT-GATE-RPI4 – flexible industrial IoT Gateway based on Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4.
• IOT-LINK – compact NXP i.MX93-based Linux Gateway with Debian and Yocto support and options including RS485, CAN-FD, 4G/LTE and PoE depending on configuration.
• IOT-GATE-iMX8 – industrial Linux IoT Gateway based on the NXP i.MX8M Mini platform.
• IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS – NXP i.MX8M Plus-based IoT Edge Gateway with local processing capabilities and NPU acceleration.
• IOT-DIN-IMX8PLUS – modular DIN-rail IoT Gateway with industrial interfaces and expansion modules for automation and control applications.

Custom IoT Gateway Solutions

An IoT Gateway is often part of a larger industrial or embedded solution. Nord Technology can therefore assist with both hardware selection and system configuration, including memory and storage, industrial interfaces, 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, antennas, Linux, Docker, system images, firewall configuration, remote management and functional testing.

We can support the complete project from prototype and technical specification through integration and volume deployment to ongoing support. The objective is to provide a stable and secure industrial IoT Gateway that matches the application, communication requirements, software environment and installation conditions.