Robustel Edge2Cloud (E2C)

Introduction

Robustel's Edge2Cloud (E2C) is a versatile software application framework designed to run within Robustel's "RobustOS" operating system on its industrial cellular routers. E2C serves as a crucial IoT gateway functionality, simplifying and accelerating the process of connecting legacy industrial equipment and diverse field protocols—such as Modbus, OPC UA, and Siemens S7—to modern cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS.

Designed to streamline data acquisition and cloud integration, Edge2Cloud formalizes this critical capability for Robustel devices. It provides a structured framework that saves customers significant time and cost when developing new IoT/SCADA applications, particularly for common requirements like transmitting Modbus data to the cloud. E2C is available even on cost-effective "Lite Industrial" routers, making it suitable for high-volume deployments.

Key Features & Advantages

• Simplified Industrial Data Acquisition:

• Provides native support for connecting to various industrial devices using common protocols like Modbus (RTU & TCP), OPC UA, Siemens S7, and also handles Digital/Analogue IO data.
• Offers a framework that makes it easier to implement these connections, abstracting much of the protocol-level complexity.

• Streamlined & Flexible Cloud Integration:

• Facilitates data delivery in a simple, flexible JSON format to leading cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS), as well as any MQTT-based cloud service.
• Features an internal "Broker" component that decouples southbound (device-facing) and northbound (cloud-facing) interfaces, enabling a generalized "any to any" transmission path for different types of data and destinations.

• Cost-Effective Edge Solution:

• Reduces overall system cost and complexity by potentially eliminating the need for an additional embedded PC or PLC for data aggregation and protocol conversion, leading to smaller panel sizes and hardware savings.
• Available on Robustel's R152X "Lite Industrial" range, providing a very economical solution for high-volume IoT deployments.

• Enhanced Data Reliability for Cellular Networks:

• Includes a critical data buffering capability, essential for IoT systems relying on potentially intermittent cellular connections to prevent data loss during temporary outages.
• Can operate in conjunction with Robustel's "Smart Roaming" application to further enhance network resilience and connection stability, particularly when using roaming SIM cards.

• Efficient & Centralized Data Handling:

• Enables a single Robustel gateway to capture, concentrate, and transmit data from multiple different industrial protocols over a single, secure connection to the cloud. This simplifies network architecture and reduces data transmission costs.

• Rapid Implementation & Reduced Development Effort:

• Designed to formalize the process of connecting edge devices to the cloud, saving customers significant development time and associated costs.
• For many common use cases, it allows data to be moved from the edge "to the Cloud with zero edge software effort" on the part of the user.
• Users can define Modbus register maps, for example, and deploy them from the cloud.