WisGate Connect Router

What is the WisGate Connect Router?

The WisGate Connect Router is a 4-port industrial gateway for networking and edge computing applications built around the Compute Module 4 (CM4) for Raspberry Pi and designed for future CM5 compatibility. It combines three 1GbE ports, one 2.5GbE port, and a MiniPCIe expansion slot into a compact system that can be used for custom routers, IoT gateways, VPN appliances, protocol translators, and edge computing gateway applications.

Unlike typical networking solutions for the Raspberry Pi that rely on USB Ethernet adapters, it provides native multi-port Ethernet connectivity, reducing integration complexity and improving deployment consistency. The MiniPCIe slot supports LoRa concentrators and other wireless modules, while WisBlock IO and Sensor slots allow additional industrial interfaces through I²C and GPIO.

The gateway also includes RAKPiOS with Docker support, an onboard RTC with battery backup, USB 3.0 connectivity, and an aluminum-base enclosure that assists with thermal management. RAKPiOS is a Linux distribution that includes hardware drivers, networking utilities, and deployment tools specifically configured for CM4 platforms. This combination is ideal for industrial IoT infrastructure, edge networking, and custom connectivity solutions that need both flexible networking and hardware expandability.

Raspberry Pi is a trademark of Raspberry Pi Ltd. LoRa® is a registered trademark or service mark of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates.

Who Should Use the WisGate Connect Router?

The WisGate Connect Router is designed for organizations and developers that need networking, wireless connectivity, and edge computing capabilities in a single platform. It can serve as a CM4 router for Raspberry Pi deployments where routing, protocol conversion, and application hosting must operate together at the edge.

Why You Need the WisGate Connect Router

Building edge networking systems often requires combining multiple boards, adapters, and software components. The WisGate Connect Router simplifies deployment by providing networking, wireless expansion, and edge computing capabilities in a single platform, whether deployed as an industrial IoT gateway or protocol translation platform.

Why it’s useful:

• Simplified deployment: Reduces hardware integration effort for custom networking projects.
• Flexible expansion: Supports LoRa, and future connectivity requirements.
• Faster prototyping: Deploy services quickly using preconfigured software tools.
• Infrastructure consolidation: Combines routing, edge computing, and gateway functions.

Common Deployment Scenarios

The same hardware platform can support different networking and edge-computing architectures depending on the installed modules and software stack.

Key Features of the WisGate Connect Router

• 4 Ethernet Ports
• 3 × 1GbE
• 1 × 2.5GbE (CM4 bandwidth-limited, optimized with software tuning)
• Raspberry Pi CM4/CM Compatible
• Select CM4 with various RAM/storage options
• Ready for future CM5 modules
• MiniPCIe Slot for LoRa
• Supports USB and SPI interfaces
• Add LoRaWAN concentrators
• WisBlock IO and Sensor Slots
• Expand with I²C or GPIO-based modules
• Ideal for Modbus, relay control, or sensor inputs
• Certain WisBlock expansion configurations may require an alternative enclosure, depending on the installed modules
• 2 × USB 3.0 Ports
• 2 × USB-C Ports
• One for console access, one for OS flashing
• Onboard RTC with Battery Backup
• Accurate timekeeping even during power loss
• Industrial-Grade Enclosure
• Aluminum base acts as a heatsink
• SMA holes for WiFi or LoRa antennas
• 12V Power Adapter Included
• Standard 2.1mm barrel jack (12V/2A)

System Architecture

The WisGate Connect Router combines networking, wireless connectivity, and application hosting into a single edge platform.

What Can You Build With the WisGate Connect Router?

The WisGate Connect Router can be adapted to a wide range of industrial networking and edge-computing applications.

Protocol Gateway Applications

Many industrial systems use multiple communication protocols that cannot communicate directly. The WisGate Connect Router can host protocol translation services that bridge operational technology systems with cloud platforms and enterprise applications.

Common examples include:

• Modbus to MQTT conversion
• Serial device integration
• Data aggregation from multiple sources
• MQTT forwarding to cloud services
• Remote telemetry collection
• Edge data normalization before cloud transmission

This architecture reduces the need for multiple dedicated gateway devices and simplifies deployment management.

Comparison: WisGate Connect Router vs Typical CM4 Router Boards

Use Case Examples for WisGate Connect Router

Use Case #1: Smart Factory Protocol Gateway

A manufacturing integrator experienced 14% delayed telemetry updates when using separate protocol gateways and routers. After deploying the RAK7392 with Dockerized Modbus-to-MQTT services, 30 days of testing reduced delays to 2%. Validation covered 50 production machines with 100% deployment consistency. System commissioning became much easier to document and maintain.

Use Case #2: Building Automation Edge Gateway

A building automation integrator needed to connect HVAC systems, energy meters, and environmental sensors across multiple commercial buildings. Using the RAK7392 as an edge gateway running local MQTT and protocol translation services, the team connected over 120 field devices while reducing cloud traffic by 40%. Commissioning time was shortened by 25% compared to their previous multi-device architecture.

What’s in the Box

• RAK7392 Router (pre-installed in compact enclosure)
• Raspberry Pi CM4 (variant based on your selection)
• 12V/2A Power Adapter
• 1 × SMA Cover Cap (for unused antenna port)
• Add WiFi/BLE antennas or LoRa modules from the options menu

How to Get Started with WisGate Connect Router

• Overview for WisGate Connect Router RAK7392
• Quick Start Guide for WisGate Connect Router RAK7392
• Compatible Hardware for WisGate Connect Router RAK7392
• Services for WisGate Connect Router RAK7392
• Datasheet for WisGate Connect Router RAK7392

• Overview for WisGate Connect Router RAK7392
• Quick Start Guide for WisGate Connect Router RAK7392
• Compatible Hardware for WisGate Connect Router RAK7392
• Services for WisGate Connect Router RAK7392
• Datasheet for WisGate Connect Router RAK7392