(NOTE: This story was originally posted to CRN.com Nov. 3.)

Don't Overlook The IoT Gateway

Data analytics tools, the cloud and connected devices are essential in an Internet of Things offering, but the gateway is also vital. Offering such capabilities as device connectivity, protocol translation, data filtering and processing and security, the gateway is an important piece to tie IoT together.

IoT gateways are built on chipsets that feature low-power connectivity and may be rugged for critical conditions. Some gateways also focus on fog computing applications, in which customers need critical data so that machines can make split-second decisions.

Here are five gateways for solution providers to check out when getting ready to deploy an IoT solution.