Starting from the IoT gateway, what are the important new features of Mbed Edge?

Good news! Mbed Cloud’s IoT device management capabilities have been expanded to support IoT gateways configured with Mbed Edge for device access, control, and management. Mbed Edge has three key features: (1) support for non-IP network protocols; (2) edge computing; and (3) gateway management.

As more and more industries use the Internet of Things to improve their products and services, they need to connect to many already deployed non-IP network protocol endpoints. For example, we see endpoints that use ZigBee for lighting, BACnet to control air conditioning systems, and Modbus for thermostats in smart buildings. Mbed Edge's protocol conversion function will help these devices that do not support IP network protocols communicate over IP networks. In this way, these devices can be accessed, controlled, and managed through Mbed Cloud.

There are two major benefits to having local computing resources available to IoT gateways. First, it allows the gateway to drive simple applications without receiving instructions from the cloud. For example, a simple rule that monitors the pressure level on a production line, and can shut down the entire line if the pressure reaches a certain threshold, should work regardless of whether the cloud is available. Second, in many cases, the raw data stream does not have to pass through the cloud if it is functioning properly, but can be processed at the edge, especially when connected to the cloud through a metered network (such as a cellular network). Mbed Edge can achieve seamless synchronization and deploy applications created on Mbed Cloud to designated Mbed Edge devices.

Many times, gateways play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the IoT, such as ensuring that a factory production line or a wind turbine operates smoothly. However, problems still occur, sometimes a critical sensor goes offline, and sometimes the connection to the starter is intermittently disconnected. In many cases, these problems must be fixed immediately to avoid more serious consequences. Mbed Edge's key features can help to warn, diagnose and, in some cases, correct problems. Key features include:

• Continuous gateway configuration backup to enable recovery or restoration to the original configuration in the event of software errors

• Back up all forms of the gateway and restore the gateway to its original state in case of hardware failure

• Diagnose and resolve critical issues on your gateway using the following system management features:

- Process Management

- Resource Management

- Interface Management

- Diagnosis

Mbed Edge extends the applicability of Mbed Cloud's device management solution to traditional non-IP network protocol connected devices. It also enables edge deployment of the Internet of Things, as well as on-site diagnosis of problems and rapid recovery from hardware failures. Mbed Edge helps Mbed Cloud customers expand their IoT network deployment to a new set of endpoints to add new services.