Operators of smart commercial buildings and smart industrial environments deploying massive mesh networks need to be able to commission, control, and monitor thousands of end nodes. Built on an open-source Linux platform fully compatible with the latest i.MX processors, the robust modular IoT gateway addresses this demand by securely connecting Thread- and ZigBee-based end node devices to the cloud via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Furthermore, local intelligence enables time-critical responses and operations even when cloud connectivity is unavailable.
The Modular IoT Gateway solution addresses stringent network security requirements to protect user and system data through encrypted wireless communications, preventing unauthorized access, interception, man-in-the-middle attacks, and replays. Thread-based devices authenticate to the network using the EC-JPAKE DTLS protocol, preventing passphrases from being leaked or reverse-tapped. Thread and ZigBee messages utilize AES encryption for entry-level security at their respective mesh network layers, while also offering flexible support for applications to add additional end-to-end security layers.
The Modular IoT Gateway also provides access to the advanced security capabilities of the i.MX application processor, including High Security Boot (HAB), secure key storage, secure JTAG, external tamper detection for passive and active events, and internal interference detection for protection against voltage, fault, and differential power analysis. Encryption software, including OpenSSL, is accelerated through the Cryptographic Acceleration and Assurance Module (CAAM). Support for Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) is available as an NXP Professional Services product.
Commercial installations with thousands of nodes can leverage the secure NFC "tap-and-connect" capabilities integrated through the gateway. Using a smartphone app, end nodes can be quickly and securely commissioned onto the network, even when the device being installed is not powered on—a common scenario in smart and industrial buildings, as well as connected smart cities, oil and gas fields, and agricultural facilities.
The complete reference design of the NXP Modular IoT Gateway includes critical building blocks for rapid customization and application deployment, including production-ready hardware, schematics, bills of materials, and fully documented software. Designers can evaluate, develop, prototype, iterate, field-test, install, and maintain LNNs for commercial environments, starting with the Modular IoT Gateway solution platform.
