MGate protocol gateways act as essential industrial communication protocol converters, ensuring seamless interoperability across heterogeneous systems while improving SCADA system performance and efficiency. The advanced MGate MB3x70-G2 Series, a high-performance industrial gateway for SCADA and OT networks, further enhances system responsiveness through its Agent ModeActive Polling: Agent Mode continuously polls data in the background and instantly delivers cached information to SCADA systems, reducing latency compared to conventional transparent gateways.. It also enables seamless integration of non-standard serial devices into industrial Ethernet networks without complex programming, supported by its built-in proprietary serial-to-Ethernet No PLC Programming: Enables integration of custom serial equipment into Ethernet-based industrial networks without rewriting PLC logic, simplifying OT network integration. capabilities.


Industrial Field Device (OT Protocol A)
Serial
MGate Industrial Gateway
Ethernet
SCADA / HMI Control System (OT Protocol B)

This diagram illustrates how the MGate Series functions as an industrial protocol gateway, bridging serial-based field devices with Ethernet-enabled SCADA and HMI systems in modern OT networks. By converting Protocol A from legacy field equipment into Protocol B used by supervisory control systems, the gateway enables reliable, low-latency industrial communication across heterogeneous environments. This approach allows engineers and system integrators to achieve seamless serial-to-Ethernet integration without modifying existing PLC programming, improving industrial network interoperability, scalability, and overall operational efficiency.


The MGate product family delivers a comprehensive portfolio of industrial connectivity solutions designed for engineers, OT network architects, and system integrators. Whether the requirement is to bridge legacy serial devices to Industrial Ethernet, perform seamless industrial protocol conversion, or enable USB-based equipment integration, these gateways streamline system interoperability while improving reliability and deterministic data communication across industrial automation environments. Core offerings include serial device servers for robust Ethernet connectivity, MGate G2 Series protocol gateways for secure and high-performance industrial data translation in SCADA and OT networks, and USB-to-serial converters that provide flexible support for diverse field devices and industrial peripherals.




Why Choose the MGate G2 Series?

Combining high performance, network visibility, and industrial-grade cybersecurity in a single industrial protocol gateway.

  • Built-in Industrial Cybersecurity

    • HTTPS / SSH encrypted communication
    • Secure Boot mechanism
    • Access Control List (ACL) management
  • High-Performance Industrial Gateway

    • Intuitive Web-based GUI management
    • Advanced protocol diagnostics tools
    • Up to 45% reduced communication latency
  • Industrial-Grade Reliability

    • ATEX / CID2 / IECEx certifications
    • DNV* / NEMA TS2 compliance (pending)
    • Flexible multi-interface design
  • *DNV certification is pending approval. Refer to the latest datasheet for updated certification status.

Long-Term Industrial Network Assurance

Designed for mission-critical OT environments, the MGate G2 Series, powered by a proprietary ASIC architecture, delivers consistent performance, long-term availability, and enhanced supply-chain stability for industrial automation networks.




Migration Path: From G1 to G2

Rethinking the Connector Layout

For legacy gateways, routine maintenance is often influenced more by cabinet accessibility than by overall performance. G1 units position the DB9 serial connectors along the bottom edge, which can make cable routing less convenient and reduce available workspace after installation. G2 moves the serial connections to the front face and uses terminal blocks, making wiring, cable testing, and cable replacement possible without removing the unit from the rail.

  • Front-facing terminal blocks make wiring and cable checks easier without dismounting the unit
  • The 4-port DIN-rail model offers additional connections while fitting within the same panel space
  • Improved cable management can reduce maintenance effort and help minimize maintenance windows



One Interface Your Team Already Knows

Upgrading hardware can introduce an often-overlooked expense: retraining engineering teams. G2 helps minimize this disruption by preserving the familiar menu logic found on G1 while arranging it into clearer top-level sections for the dashboard, protocol status, network and serial settings, security, account management, and diagnostics. G1 configuration files can also be imported directly into a new G2 unit, allowing teams to complete the migration without rebuilding the configuration from scratch.

  • The familiar workflow remains intact within a cleaner and more structured menu layout
  • Field teams can begin using the device without going through a separate training cycle
  • Direct G1 configuration file import helps reduce setup and migration time
  • New role-based permissions enable administrators to define which settings each login can modify
  • Built-in diagnostics reduce reliance on a separate monitoring utility





Evaluating the Upgrade

  • G1 hardware is based on an older platform that is approaching end of life
  • G2 delivers current-generation components with a stronger baseline security posture
  • Typical street pricing is comparable to, or lower than, the current price of G1
  • Since the familiar interface is retained, teams can avoid additional re-certification and training overhead



Spec-by-Spec: What Has Changed

The table below outlines the primary differences between G1 and G2 across hardware, protocol support, EMC rating, security posture, network design, and diagnostics.


Category MGate G1 MGate G2
Hardware 1 or 2 serial ports, DB9 only
Single-port terminal block
Fiber: M-SC, M-ST, S-SC
1, 2, or 4 serial ports
DB9 or terminal block, depending on model
Fiber: M-SC, M-ST, S-SC, plus SFP
Protocol handling Transparent conversion only
Standard Modbus TCP ↔ RTU/ASCII
Transparent or Agent (cache-and-poll) mode
Supports proprietary-serial and TCP conversion
EMC rating Commercial-grade (EN 55032 / EN 55035) Industrial-grade (EN 61000-6-2 / EN 61000-6-4)
Cybersecurity Password login
Basic encryption
No secure boot
Basic event logging
Role-based permissions
HTTPS (TLS 1.2)
Hardware-rooted secure boot
Centralized monitoring & alerts
IEC 62443-4-2 SL2 compliant
Network topology Single subnet only Single subnet, or dual-subnet segmentation
Troubleshooting External Windows utility for traffic monitoring On-device traffic monitor, protocol diagnostics, Modbus test simulator, fiber diagnostics, serial port monitor, MXview One integration



Where MGate G2 Fits in Industrial Applications

  • Oil & gas sites: integrating serial flow meters and RTUs with a centralized SCADA network in environments where ATEX/IECEx ratings are required
  • Substations: connecting serial protection relays to Modbus- or EtherNet/IP-based monitoring platforms
  • Water treatment plants: integrating legacy serial PLCs and meters into an Ethernet backbone without altering the existing control logic
  • Mixed-vendor production lines: bringing PLCs and drives using different protocols, including PROFINET and EtherNet/IP, together on a unified network



Explore the MGate G2 Series for Secure Industrial Networks





Discover Next-Gen MGate G2 Industrial Gateway Solutions


MGate MB3170/3270/3470-G2 Industrial Gateway Series
HTTPS & SSH Encryption Agent Mode Support Proprietary Serial Protocol Support
ATEX Certified CID2 Compliant IECEx Approved DNV* Certified

MGate MB3170/3270/3470-G2 Series

High-performance Modbus gateways designed for seamless SCADA integration. Featuring agent mode operation and advanced cybersecurity measures, these MGate G2 devices protect OT networks while ensuring reliable industrial communication.

*DNV certification pending. Refer to the datasheet for the latest updates.

MGate 5192 Series

Single-port gateway for IEC 61850-to-DNP3, IEC 101/104, and Modbus. Ideal for modernizing power substations.

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MGate 5121 Series

Single-port Modbus-to-BACnet/IP gateway. Bridges industrial devices to building automation systems.

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MGate 5122 Series

Single-port Modbus-to-EtherNet/IP gateway. Connects Modbus devices directly to Rockwell PLCs.

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MGate 5123 Series

Single-port Modbus-to-PROFINET gateway. Integrates Modbus devices into Siemens PROFINET networks.

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MGate 5134 Series

Two-port serial-to-Ethernet Modbus gateway for PROFINET. Supports high-density PLC connectivity.

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MGate 5135/5435 Series

1- and 4-port Modbus-to-EtherNet/IP gateways. Connect Modbus field devices to EtherNet/IP networks efficiently.

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Existing serial infrastructure does not need to be replaced simply to align with modern standards. A device server can provide the connection between legacy serial equipment and a modern, audited network, allowing existing systems to remain in service. NPort G2 is designed for this role, helping protect investments in serial field equipment while addressing the security and visibility limitations of older device servers. Contact the Rockford technical team to identify the right model or plan your G1-to-G2 migration.