An IoT gateway is a hardware or software component that links IoT sensors, cameras, and other smart devices in one network to another, typically the Cloud. The Internet is connected to various IoT device types using various interfaces and protocols through the IoT gateway.
The main function of a “Gateway” in the field of communications is to facilitate communication between two networks using various technologies, such as connectivity types, interfaces, or protocols. All network data enters and leaves the network through a gateway. The gateway, therefore, manages both inbound and outgoing traffic.
Similar to your network router, the IoT Gateway builds a bridge between various IoT devices (and the enormous amounts of data they generate) and other networks like the Internet. The IoT gateway will be the intermediary for all data transfer between IoT devices and the cloud. A smart gateway or control tier is another name for an IoT gateway.
Is WiFi an IoT gateway?
Yes, IoT gateways connect various devices using a variety of transmission protocols, including LoRA, WiFi, Cellular, Ethernet, and more.