Introduction

This document outlines the technical details and architecture of the MachineMetrics Edge hardware and software required to collect data from Machines, Sensors, and other Industrial Equipment. For more information on networking, visit this section of our Knowledge Base. 

Topics covered in this article

• MachineMetrics Edge Hardware
• MachineMetrics Edge Software
  • Requirements for MachineMetrics Managed Software and Edge Hardware
  • Hardware Required
  • Network Architecture Diagram

MachineMetrics Edge Hardware

The MachineMetrics Edge is used to easily connect a Machine to the MachineMetrics Cloud Service using Wifi, an Ethernet Connection to the Machine, or Cellular. The Edge can be configured to support up to 50 machines over a network, or installed near, and powered by a single machine as an Edge. The MachineMetrics Edge is designed to run the MachineMetrics Edge Software.

Please visit this article to view our Edge device and network diagrams.

The MachineMetrics Edge runs an IoT device management service called Balena. This allows MachineMetrics to remotely keep the devices up to date, and monitor the status of all devices. A VPN is configured from the Edge device to Balena that MachineMetrics manages in order to troubleshoot issues and send updates automatically. The operating system is a lightweight version of Linux.

An authorized MachineMetrics Account Holder can configure the Edge Device using the Edge Management Application. 

Memory: 2GB standard, expandable Storage: 32GB SSD OS: Balena OS CPU: Intel Celeron J3455 CPU or Intel Atom x7-E3950 LAN: Two GbE ports Wireless: WiFi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2

MachineMetrics Edge Software

Can be run on the MachineMetrics Edge, or a customer-supplied Windows Server or PC. This software can run multiple Machine Adapters that can be configured remotely to collect data from machines, sensors, and other industrial equipment. This data is encrypted and streamed to the MachineMetrics cloud on Amazon Web Services on an outbound connection over port 443.

Requirements for MachineMetrics Managed Software & Edge Hardware (recommended)

No action is required from the customer to apply updates, and if there are any issues with the hardware during the warranty period, the hardware will be replaced.

Hardware Required

Either:

• A MachineMetrics Edge per machine where available WiFi or CAT 5/6 network with internet access is available
• One Edge with increased capacity (called the MachineMetrics Edge Device) per location for up to 50 machines. Machines must be accessible over the network behind an unmanaged or managed switch

Network Architecture Diagram

Note:  For detailed information about firewall requirements, please visit this article.