Protocol Gateway - Protocol Conversion Between Network Areas Using Different Protocols

Protocol gateways usually do protocol translation between network areas that use different protocols. This conversion process can take place at layer 2, layer 3 or between layers 2 and 3 of the OSI reference model.

1. Introduction to Protocol Gateway

Protocol gateways usually do protocol conversion between networks using different protocols, which is the most common function of gateways. Protocol conversion must operate at all protocol layers above the data link layer and be transparent to the processes on the node that use those protocol layers. Protocol conversion must consider the specific similarities and differences between the two protocols, so the function of the protocol gateway is very complex.

2. Functional description of the protocol gateway

A gateway, also known as a protocol converter, is a facility that the Internet works on the OSI transport layer. Provide a full range of services from the transport layer to the application layer, and generally provide centralized protocol services. Gateways repackage data so that it can communicate between two different networks.

Gateways are used for the interconnection between network systems of different types and large differences, or for the connection between networks of different architectures or LANs and host systems. In the interconnection equipment, it is the most complex, generally only one-to-one conversion, or the conversion of a few specific application protocols.

The main conversion items of the gateway include information format conversion, address conversion, protocol conversion, etc.

Gateways can be divided into three types according to their functions: protocol gateways, application gateways, and security gateways.

3. Introduction to protocol analysis gateway

3.1 Agreement. Agreement refers to the standard for reaching consensus in human society, such as law, language, and contracts are all forms of agreement. The protocols in the industrial field are mostly network communication protocols that connect network equipment systems, such as MQTT, Modbus TCP, and OPC-UA. These protocols are scattered among different devices in different fields, and undertake data transmission, device docking, etc. effect.

3.2 Analysis. As mentioned above, different devices may have different protocols, so there will be some problems in industrial production. A new device is a combination of multiple processes, such as housing, packaging, chips, and software. It is impossible for one company to implement all of these with one agreement, and it is not realistic from the perspective of cost performance. Therefore, a complete production process is It is composed of multiple different devices, and the corresponding protocols are also different. If you want to achieve the optimization and integration of the production process, you need protocol analysis and conversion. By analyzing different protocols, restoring the real data transmitted, and then converting it into a unified protocol, the integration of production processes can be realized, which is a prerequisite for building a smart factory.

3.3 Gateways. A gateway is a bridge connecting devices. Its main industrial applications are device networking, protocol analysis and conversion, data collection and transmission, and remote monitoring of devices. It is the hardware foundation for building smart factories. It can use a variety of networks such as 4G/5G/WIFI/Ethernet to realize the networking of devices, collect real-time data of devices and perform edge computing, and upload them to the cloud platform, so that managers can remotely monitor and control devices. Control, improve efficiency and save time.

4. The role of protocol analysis gateway

4.1 Various Internet access functions: support 5G, 4G, WIFI, wired Ethernet, optical fiber, LORA and other networking access methods

4.2 Powerful acquisition function: embedded with various PLC, instrumentation, electrical equipment, industrial robots, machine tools and other protocols

4.3 Flexible cloud access: support access to remote platforms through MQTT, MODBUS, OPC, SQL, etc.

4.4 Efficient forwarding center: supports serial port forwarding and MODBUS forwarding functions, and supports simultaneous access of local and remote systems

4.5 Convenient remote maintenance: support remote debugging, diagnosis and uploading and downloading programs of industrial equipment through the equipment express line

4.6 Abundant API interfaces: Provide developed API interfaces to help customers build advanced and professional Industry 4.0 systems

In general, the protocol analysis gateway can coordinate different devices with different functions to form an Internet of Things system, which is an important device for realizing automation and intelligent production.