Choosing the right IoT data acquisition terminal manufacturers is very important, it is not only related to the real-time and reliability of industrial automation data acquisition, but also affects the efficiency of subsequent data processing and decision-making.
This article will focus on the four representative manufacturers – Advantech, Moxa, Sierra Wireless, and Chengdu IOTRouter, from the hardware interface, protocol compatibility, network access, programming customization, operation and maintenance management, etc., to conduct an in-depth comparison, to help enterprises in the field equipment and the cloud platform. The in-depth comparison will help enterprises grasp the key points in the selection process and build an efficient and stable industrial network architecture.
Advantech: A Pioneer in Modularity and Cloud Integration
Advantech has taken its place in the IIoT gateway field with its rich lineup of embedded and edge computing products. Its UNO and UTX series gateways are both based on Intel architecture and provide multiple Gigabit Ethernet, USB, serial ports, and expansion slots to meet the needs of multi-device interconnections in complex sites. the UNO-1372G integrates 4G/3G/Wi-Fi communication modules for rapid deployment in logistics, retail, and smart city projects, while the UTX-3117 is designed for LoRa and other wireless networks. Designed for LoRa and other wireless protocol scenarios, the UTX-3117 supports industrial-grade temperature range and anti-interference. Advantech also offers an Ignition Edge Ready version with pre-installed Ignition Edge Node software to simplify integration with upper-level SCADA systems. Its WISE-PaaS/DeviceOn remote management platform enables centralized monitoring, firmware upgrades and troubleshooting of devices, helping customers quickly build integrated solutions from the field to the cloud.
Mosa: Deep Integration of Industrial Grade Reliability and Software Ecosystem
Mosa’s IIoT gateways are known for their ruggedness and rich software features. Its UC series adopts Arm architecture, comes with pre-installed ThingsPro software, supports protocols such as Modbus, MQTT, HTTPS, etc., and has built-in AWS and Azure clients, making it easy for users to direct edge data to mainstream cloud services, while the AIG series further provides programmability, allowing users to run customized scripts locally to flexibly adjust the flow of data. The Mosa Gateway supports dual-SIM redundancy and Wi-Fi/4G backup switching to ensure continuous online operation in extreme environments, while the metal casing and wide temperature design enable stable operation in wind power and petrochemical scenarios. With the dual mode of private cloud and public cloud of ThingsPro, Mosa provides customers with full-process operation and maintenance tools from equipment to cloud, helping enterprises to improve system availability and operation and maintenance efficiency.
Siera Wireless: The Industry Benchmark for Cellular Connectivity and Security Hardening
As a pioneer in cellular communications, Siera Wireless (now part of Semtech) has extended its technology accumulation in wireless modules to gateway products. AirLink FX30 is known for its ultra-compact and ultra-rugged design, which can be deployed in harsh industrial environments, as well as its support for the Legato open-source application framework, which makes it easy to develop lightweight AI and data processing applications at the device side. AirLink RV50 and RX55 series are constantly iterating on LTE Cat-4 and Cat-7 technologies, integrating GPS, serial and Ethernet interfaces, and providing MIL-STD-810 and C1D2 certifications to ensure safe operation in flammable and explosive environments. What’s more worth mentioning is that Siera Wireless provides AirVantage cloud platform and Octave edge data orchestration service, which builds a safe, visualized and scalable ecosystem from equipment to cloud, escorting customers’ digital transformation.
Chengdu IOTRouter: Local Innovation
IOTRouter’s EG8200Mini Edge Computing Gateway focuses on data acquisition and protocol conversion, and lowers the threshold for field debugging with its “zero-code” drag-and-drop programming platform. The device supports 4G, Ethernet and Wi-Fi communication, and is equipped with the function of continuous transmission and automatic switching between multiple networks to ensure that critical data will not be lost. In terms of interfaces, EG8200Mini provides multiple RS485 and RS232, which is convenient for interfacing with PLCs and sensors of various brands. Its visual configuration function allows users to quickly display real-time data on a large HDMI screen or browser without additional software. The introduction of lightweight AI capability makes it possible to complete simple algorithmic reasoning at the edge to meet basic warning and analysis needs. For small and medium-sized factories pursuing cost-effective and rapid deployment, the EG8200Mini provides a choice that combines flexibility and stability.
Selection Suggestion: Focus on Five Key Elements
In the face of diversified products, enterprises can focus on the following aspects when selecting gateways:
Interface and Protocol Compatibility: Confirm that the selected gateway supports all kinds of PLC and sensor protocols in the field to avoid secondary development costs.
Network Access Flexibility: Choose a product that supports multiple communication modes (4G/5G, Wi-Fi, wired) according to on-site network conditions to ensure network connectivity.
Edge computing capability: Evaluate the local processing capability of the gateway, whether it supports data preprocessing, AI reasoning and logical judgment, and reduce the dependence on the cloud.
Remote management and security: Select a mature remote operation and maintenance platform that supports device monitoring, firmware upgrades and troubleshooting, and has hardware-level and software-level security certification.
Environmental adaptability: For extreme temperature, humidity and electromagnetic interference scenarios, prioritize products with industrial-grade protection and wide-temperature design.
Combined with the enterprise’s own scale and project requirements, the most practical industrial IoT gateway can be selected by comprehensively evaluating the above five dimensions.
Заключение
Industrial IoT gateways, as the infrastructure for smart manufacturing and digital transformation, are playing an increasingly prominent role in data collection, edge processing and cloud collaboration. Advantech, Mosa, Siera Wireless and Chengdu IOTRouter have their own products. From high-performance modular design to the deep integration of software ecosystem, to cellular secure connectivity and lightweight AI applications. Enterprises should make flexible choices according to their actual needs. Together, these vendors build an efficient and stable production network, laying a solid foundation for the next step of intelligent manufacturing upgrade.
