Cloud
Gateways

Gateway Management

Gateways are the bridge between your field equipment and AERL Cloud, collecting data from devices and transmitting it securely to the cloud platform.

Understanding Gateways

What is a Gateway?

A gateway is an edge computing device that:

  • Connects to energy equipment via CAN bus, Modbus, or other protocols
  • Collects and processes telemetry data locally
  • Transmits data securely to AERL Cloud
  • Provides offline storage and buffering
  • Enables remote device management

Gateway Properties

Each gateway has:

  • Hub ID: Unique device identifier (serial number)
  • Tag: Optional user-defined descriptive label
  • Location: Associated physical site
  • Firmware Version: Software version running on device
  • Authentication: Automatic JWT token-based security

Claiming a Gateway

Prerequisites

  • Admin, Technician, or Owner role in your organization
  • Gateway device with printed serial number and PIN code
  • Location to assign gateway to (can create during setup)

Gateway Setup Process

  1. Access Setup

    • Click the + button in the portal

  2. Enter Device Information (from back label):

    • Serial Number: From device label (becomes Hub ID)
    • Pin Code: Security code printed on device label
    • System validates and claims the gateway

  3. Assign to Location

    • Existing Location: Choose from dropdown (searchable for >10 locations)
    • Create New Location: Enter name, address/coordinates, notes with interactive map

  4. Complete Setup

    • Gateway automatically registered to your organization
    • Device automatically connects and starts transmitting data
    • No manual device configuration required

Gateway Authentication

Gateways use secure, automated authentication:

  • Device claiming uses serial number and PIN code
  • JWT tokens automatically issued and refreshed
  • All communication uses TLS encryption
  • No manual device configuration or credential entry needed

Fully Automated: Once claimed in the portal, gateways automatically connect and begin transmitting data. No device-side configuration is required.

Gateway List Management

Viewing Gateways

The gateway list shows:

  • Status: Online (green), Offline (red), or Never Seen (gray)
  • Hub ID: Device serial number with "NEW" badge for recent additions
  • Tag: User-defined descriptive label (optional)
  • Location: Associated physical site (clickable link)
  • First Seen: When gateway was first registered
  • Firmware Version: Software version running on device
  • Last Seen: Most recent communication timestamp

Filtering and Search

  • Status Filter: Show only online or offline gateways
  • Search: Find gateways by name, location, or ID
  • Export: Download gateway list as CSV

Bulk Operations

  • Select multiple gateways using checkboxes
  • Perform bulk actions like location reassignment
  • Export selected gateways

Gateway Configuration

Editing Gateway Details

  1. Click the Edit (pencil) icon on any gateway
  2. Update configurable fields:
    • Name
    • Location assignment
    • GPS coordinates
  3. Save changes

Deleting a Gateway

  1. Click the Delete (trash) icon
  2. Confirm deletion
  3. Note: This removes the gateway from cloud management but doesn't affect the physical device

Gateway Status & Health

Status Indicators

  • Online: Gateway is connected and transmitting
  • Offline: No communication for >10 minutes
  • Never Seen: Gateway created but never connected

Health Metrics

  • Uptime: Continuous online duration
  • Data Rate: Messages per minute
  • Error Rate: Failed transmissions
  • Storage: Local buffer usage

Troubleshooting Offline Gateways

  1. Check Physical Connection

    • Power supply
    • Network connectivity
    • LED indicators

  2. Verify Configuration

    • Correct endpoint URL
    • Valid Machine ID and Secret
    • Firewall allowing HTTPS (port 443)

  3. Review Logs

    • Check gateway local logs
    • Contact support with Machine ID

Device Connections

Supported Protocols

  • CAN Bus: For solar controllers, batteries
  • Modbus RTU: Serial devices via RS485
  • Modbus TCP: Ethernet-connected devices
  • Custom Protocols: Via gateway plugins

Device Discovery

Gateways automatically discover connected devices:

  1. Devices appear in the Devices section
  2. Each device shows protocol and address
  3. Configure device-specific parameters

Security Best Practices

Credential Management

  • All authentication credentials are managed automatically by the system
  • Device claiming uses only the serial number and PIN from the device label
  • JWT tokens are issued and refreshed automatically
  • No manual credential management required by customers

Network Security

  • Use firewall rules to restrict access
  • Enable only required protocols
  • Regular firmware updates
  • Monitor for unusual activity

Advanced Features

Edge Computing

Gateways can run local logic:

  • Data aggregation
  • Alert pre-processing
  • Protocol conversion
  • Custom calculations

Offline Operation

When internet is unavailable:

  • Data stored locally for as long as space is available on the device
  • Oldest records automatically overwritten if storage fills up
  • Critical alerts queued
  • Automatic sync when reconnected
  • Continuous data collection maintained during outages

Remote Management

  • Configuration updates
  • Firmware upgrades
  • Diagnostic commands
  • Reboot capability

Common Issues

Gateway Shows "Never Seen"

  • Verify network connectivity
  • Check credentials are correct
  • Ensure firewall allows HTTPS
  • Confirm gateway is powered on

Intermittent Connectivity

  • Check network stability
  • Review data transmission interval
  • Monitor local storage usage
  • Verify no IP conflicts

High Error Rate

  • Check device connections
  • Review protocol settings
  • Monitor power supply
  • Check for EMI interference

Next Steps

LocationsDevices