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EdgeBox Blue is a Compact Industrial VPN Router and IoT Edge Gateway

Jan 28, 2025 — by Giorgio Mendoza 345 views

The EdgeBox-Blue is an industrial VPN router and edge gateway designed for applications requiring secure networking and data management in industrial environments. It runs on an OpenWRT-based platform and supports real-time data acquisition, automation, and cloud integration.

The MT7981BA processor supports Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) with a combined 1.8 Gbps throughput across the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, optimizing performance with MU-MIMO and OFDMA for efficient data transmission in high-density networks. It features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU running at 1.5 GHz, with hardware acceleration for encryption and VPN processing.

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A built-in 2.5GbE Ethernet port provides wired connectivity, with additional Gigabit Ethernet ports supported via external interfaces. Security measures include WPA3 encryption, IPsec, PPTP, and L2TP VPN protocols, alongside firewall and NAT support for secure networking. Power efficiency is managed through DVFS, adjusting voltage and frequency dynamically to optimize energy consumption.

EdgeBox-Blue multiple views
(click image to enlarge)

The device includes a range of peripheral interfaces to support industrial connectivity. It features dual Ethernet ports, one supporting speeds up to 2.5Gbps, enabling high-speed data exchange between connected systems. Two isolated RS485 ports allow integration with industrial automation equipment, while multiple digital inputs and outputs (24V isolated) provide additional control and monitoring capabilities.

An M.2 socket with SIM card and USB support extends connectivity options, making it possible to integrate cellular communication where required. The hardware is enclosed in an aluminum chassis with an integrated passive heatsink for heat dissipation and supports an input voltage range of 10.8V to 36V DC for flexible power integration.

EdgeBox-Blue features
(click image to enlarge)

The software is based on OpenWRT, providing a customizable environment for industrial networking and edge computing applications. Security is enhanced with an ATECC608B encryption chip to protect data transmission, while a hardware watchdog ensures system reliability.

The device also supports Modbus communication over RS485 or Ethernet, allowing compatibility with industrial control systems. A real-time clock with a supercapacitor backup helps maintain accurate system time even during power interruptions.

Further information

The EdgeBox-Blue is available in multiple configurations, with the 1GB RAM model priced at $169 and the 512MB RAM version at $159. Additional options include eMMC storage from 8GB to 128GB and support for wireless modules such as cellular, LoRa, or Zigbee. Pricing may vary based on component costs. All models include RS485, RTC, a watchdog timer, four digital inputs, and six digital outputs for industrial applications.

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