How to Select Industrial Gateways Between PLC and IoT Platforms

With the development of IoT technology, enterprise digitalization is becoming increasingly prent. The application of IoT gateways for PLC data collection is on the rise, offering tangible benefits in enhancing productivity and management efficiency for manufacturing. The communication between PLC and IoT gateways is crucial for data collection systems, aiming to enable data transmission between IoT devices and thus facilitate remote control and monitoring.

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a sophisticated device used for controlling automated production processes. It features functions such as process control and logic control, enabling precise execution of complex control instructions. Additionally, PLC supports alarming, monitoring, and remote control capabilities to enhance work efficiency. WideIOT industrial smart gateways support connectivity with PLCs from various brands, including Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron, Schneider, Delta, Inovance, Keyence, and Beckhoff, facilitating data transmission and real-time communication.

Communication protocols vary among different PLC brands and IoT gateways, such as Modbus, S7, and PROFIBUS. The gateway can adapt to these protocols to collect critical data, establish a unified standard data processing system, and upload the data to cloud platforms or upper computer systems via 5G/4G/WIFI/Ethernet, thereby enabling functions like remote monitoring, control, and maintenance.

Functional Characteristics:

1. Rich Interface Support: The gateway supports device connectivity through serial ports, network ports, IO ports, etc., and network access via 5G/4G, WIFI, Ethernet, etc.

2. Built-in Multiple Industrial Protocols: It enables connectivity with PLCs, water and electricity meters, sensors, CNC machines, industrial robots, and other devices.

3. Local Data Caching and Resumable Transmission: The gateway supports local data caching and resumable transmission in case of network interruptions, intelligently switching network access modes based on network conditions.

4. Cloud Configuration and Rapid Editing: It facilitates quick setup and editing of cloud configurations, providing various controls and convenient operations.

5. Edge Intelligence: The gateway performs intelligent computations at the device edge, effectively sharing the computational load with the cloud and enabling concurrent data collection from multiple links.