What Are the Key Advantages of MOXA MGate Protocol Gateways?
The key advantages are their versatility in converting multiple industrial protocols and interfaces, enabling seamless integration of disparate devices into a single network. Gateways like the MOXA MGate MB3180 can convert Modbus RTU/ASCII protocols over RS-232/422/485 interfaces to Modbus TCP over Ethernet, while specialized models like the MGate 5109 can convert between Modbus and DNP3 protocols entirely.
Protocol gateways are used when you need to combine multiple devices into one network, but the equipment uses different interfaces and protocols.
MGate gateways for Modbus and DNP3
What is an Industrial Protocol Gateway?
An industrial protocol gateway is a device that translates communication protocols and media types, allowing devices that speak different industrial languages to communicate. The MGate series offers solutions like the MGate 5105-MB-EIP, which acts as a bridge between Modbus RTU/ASCII/TCP and EtherNet/IP networks. Advanced models like the MGate MB3660 also feature redundant Ethernet and power inputs, along with active polling modes, significantly increasing data acquisition rates.
MGate MB3180, MGate MB3280, MGate MB3480 gateways are 1, 2, and 4-port Modbus gateways that convert RS-232/422/485 interfaces to Ethernet, as well as Modbus RTU/ASCII protocols to Modbus TCP.
Also, it is possible to convert both one way and the other, i.e. Modbus RTU/ASCII Slave/Master and Modbus TCP Client/Server modes are supported.
MGate MB3170 and MGate MB3270 gateways are 1 and 2-port Modbus are rugged gateways with additional functions, such as:
- Serial Redirector - the ability to transfer data from one COM port to another
- Priority Control - support traffic priority by IP address, TCP port and other parameters
- Ethernet Switch - the second Ethernet port has switch function (one IP address for both ports)
- Pro COM - create a virtual COM port
MGate MB3660 gateways are 8 and 16-port Modbus gateways with redundant Ethernet interfaces (two LAN ports and two IP addresses) and two power inputs (2xAC or 2xDC), as well as an active polling of Modbus devices, which increases the data acquisition rate by 10 times.
MGate MB3660 operation modes:
- Transparent Mode - simple request-response mode
- Agent Mode - configurable active polling mode
- Intelligent mode - automatic active polling mode
MGate W5108 and MGate W5208 gateways are 1 and 2-port Modbus/DNP3 gateways with wireless IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi interface.
Gateway operation modes:
- Convert Modbus RTU/ASCII to Modbus TCP over Wi-Fi
- Convert DNP3 serial to DNP3 IP over Wi-Fi
- Converting Raw serial to Raw TCP (using the TCP Server and TCP Client modes)
The MGate 5109 gateway is a 1-port Modbus/DNP3 gateway with an Ethernet interface that allows you to convert not only Modbus RTU/ASCII protocol to Modbus TCP and DNP3 serial protocol to DNP3 IP, but also Modbus protocol to DNP3.
You can find the operation modes in the table below:
MGate gateways for PROFIBUS and PROFINET protocols
The MGate 5101-PBM-MN gateway is a 1-port PROFIBUS DP/Modbus TCP gateway that allows you to connect PROFIBUS DP devices to the Modbus TCP network.
In the PROFIBUS network, the gateway will be DP-V1 Master, and in the Modbus TCP network as Client/Server.
The MGate 4101-MB-PBS is a 1 port PROFIBUS DP/Modbus RTU/ASCII gateway that allows you to connect a Modbus RTU/ASCII device to the PROFIBUS DP network.
In the PROFIBUS network, the gateway will be DP-V0 Slave, and in the Modbus RTU/ASCII network as Master/Slave.
The MGate 5102-PBM-PN gateway is a 1 port PROFIBUS DP/PROFINET RT gateway that allows you to connect PROFIBUS DP devices to the PROFINET network.
In the PROFIBUS network, the gateway will be DP-V1 Master, and in the PROFINET network as Slave.
MGate Gateways for EtherNet/IP, DF1
Who needs this Protocol Conversion Gateway?
This protocol conversion gateway is needed by system integrators and automation specialists who must combine devices using different standards, such as Modbus, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, DNP3, or J1939, into one cohesive network. For instance, the MGate 5101-PBM-MN is required to connect PROFIBUS DP devices to a Modbus TCP network, providing compatibility between field-level control devices and higher-level supervisory systems.
The MGate 5105-MB-EIP gateway is a 1-port gateway between Modbus RTU/ASCII/TCP and EtherNet/IP that allows you to connect devices from one network to another.
In the EtherNet/IP network, the gateway will be the Adapter/Scanner, and in the Modbus RTU/ASCII/TCP network as Master/Slave.
Operating modes of the gateway:
- Option-1: EtherNet/IP <-> Modbus RTU/ASCII
- Option-2: EtherNet/IP <-> Modbus TCP
- Option-3: Modbus RTU/ASCII <-> Modbus TCP
How helps this MGate Series to achieve network flexibility?
MGate EIP3170 and MGate EIP3270 gateways are EtherNet/IP-DF1 1 and 2-port gateways that allow DF1 devices to be connected to an EtherNet/IP network.
The ProCOM function is supported, which allows using a virtual COM port to access DF1 and EtherNet/IP devices.
MGate gateways for J1939 protocol
The MGate 5118 gateway is a 1-port J1939-Modbus-PROFINET-EtherNet/IP gateway that allows you to connect J1939 devices to one of three Modbus RTU/ASCII/TCP, PROFINET or EtherNet/IP networks.
Operating modes:
- J1939 to Modbus RTU/ASCII (Master/Slave)
- J1939 to Modbus TCP (Client/Server)
- J1939 to EtherNet/IP (Scanner/Adapter)
- J1939 to PROFINET (I/O Device)
How helps this MGate Series to achieve network flexibility?
The MGate series achieves network flexibility through its wide array of conversion capabilities and connectivity options. Models such as the wireless MGate W5108 and MGate W5208 can convert serial protocols to Modbus TCP or DNP3 IP over a Wi-Fi interface. For complex industrial machinery, the MGate 5118 acts as a universal converter, linking J1939 devices to Modbus, PROFINET, or EtherNet/IP networks, providing unparalleled adaptability for device connection and data exchange.
