Gateway

Gateway: What It Is, Its Functions, and Its Role in IoT and Integration

A network gateway is a communication device that connects different networks, protocols, or systems. In other words, it is a device or software that allows data exchange between networks with different technologies. In cloud-based applications like Netkurum, information from personnel access devices is first securely collected via a gateway and then transmitted to the central system. In short, gateways serve as “bridges” enabling communication between different systems.

Functions of a Gateway

Protocol Conversion: Communication protocols may differ between networks or devices. Gateways convert incoming data from one protocol to another to ensure compatibility. For example, they can transform data from an older card reader into a modern web-compatible protocol.

Network Integration: Gateways allow two or more networks to work as a single network. For instance, all access devices within a campus can be managed centrally at the same time.

Data Filtering and Routing: Only relevant information, such as a user ID, is transmitted to the central system when necessary, while other traffic is filtered to reduce system load.

Security: Gateways monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized access and filter suspicious content. This helps stop malware or attacks at the network level.

Remote Device Management (IoT): In Internet of Things (IoT) applications, gateways enable remote management and data collection from connected devices. In factory or building automation, data from multiple sensors and devices is transmitted to the central system through the gateway.

Data Collection and Analysis: In industrial automation and IoT systems, gateways collect raw data from sensors and preprocess it when necessary. For example, they may store data in a specific format or send only summarized information, making centralized data analysis more efficient.

The Role of Gateways in IoT and System Integration

In IoT environments, gateways enable devices using different protocols to communicate with each other and connect to cloud services. For example, an “IoT Gateway” is designed to work with both legacy devices and modern cloud applications. These gateways can perform caching, cleaning, and filtering before sending data over the internet; they can also temporarily store data for machine learning or perform basic analytics. In summary, gateways act as “doors” that allow data to be securely transferred between different networks, ensuring that data from IoT devices is quickly processed and delivered to central systems.