What is Gateway?
Gateway
The gateway layer acts as the data acquisition bridge between field devices and the SolarTools platform.
Data generated by PLCs, sensors, energy analyzers, meters, and IoT devices is transferred to the platform through gateways.
The gateway layer forms the primary communication bridge between the physical field environment and the centralized platform.
How does a gateway work?
The gateway collects data from field devices, processes it, and securely transfers it to the platform infrastructure.
- Device generates data
- Gateway collects data
- Data is filtered and processed
- Transferred to the connector layer
- Platform stores and analyzes the data
This architecture enables real-time transfer of operational field data into centralized systems.
Connection architecture
Gateways are typically positioned between field devices and the platform infrastructure.
Field Devices
Devices that generate data on the field.
- PLC
- Sensors
- Meters
- IoT devices
Gateway
Data collection, local processing and communication layer.
- Collects data
- Applies local preprocessing
- Communicates over multiple protocols
- Provides secure connectivity
Connector
Data processing and integration layer.
- Performs protocol translation
- Normalizes data
- Manages integrations
- Optimizes data flow
SolarTools Platform
Data analysis, alarm management and visualization.
- Stores data
- Performs analytics & reporting
- Generates alarms & notifications
- Visualizes via dashboards
Core responsibilities of a gateway
A gateway does more than simply collect data from devices. It manages data communication between field devices and the platform, maintains connection continuity, and helps securely transfer data into the centralized system.
- Data Collection → Collects telemetry data from PLCs, sensors, energy analyzers, and field devices while managing centralized data flow.
- Protocol Communication → Enables communication between devices using industrial protocols such as Modbus, MQTT, OPC-UA, and similar standards.
- Local Processing → Can filter data, apply preprocessing, reduce unnecessary data traffic, and optimize information before sending it to the platform.
- Connection Management → Monitors device connection status, maintains communication continuity, and helps manage connection interruptions.
- Secure Data Transfer → Supports centralized data management by ensuring secure, stable, and uninterrupted communication with the platform.
- Real-Time Data Communication → Transfers field data with low latency to support real-time monitoring and analytics processes.
Role within the platform
The gateway layer represents the entry point of operational field data into the platform ecosystem.
- Connecting field devices to the platform
- Providing real-time communication
- Managing connectivity and data flow
- Reducing data loss risks
- Supporting centralized operations
Use Cases
Gateway structures can be actively used across various industrial and IoT infrastructures.
Energy Monitoring → Enables real-time monitoring of meter and energy analyzer data through the centralized platform.
Production Lines → Allows centralized tracking of production and operational data collected from PLC systems.
IoT Sensor Networks → Ensures secure transfer of sensor data from field infrastructure into the platform system.
Building Automation → Supports centralized management of HVAC, lighting, and environmental control systems.
Why use gateways?
Industrial devices may not communicate directly with centralized systems. The gateway layer standardizes and simplifies this communication architecture.
Without gateways, reliable and scalable communication between field devices and centralized platforms becomes significantly more difficult.
Next step
After understanding the gateway layer, continue with connectors to explore how incoming data is processed and integrated within the platform.