Where demands on computing power and memory are high, the manufacturer also offers the perfect solution with the new Edge Computer. It features a 1.91 GHz quad-core Atom processor and is equipped with standard Debian Linux. “Users can draw on abundant resources and model entire automation processes on them,” says J. Sparmann with satisfaction. Display devices can be connected directly via HDMI or DisplayPort. Several USB ports and two gigabit Ethernet ports are available for communication. “Phone cards can also be used via an expansion slot if a cable connection is not possible,” explains J. Sparmann. A choice between 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of flash memory makes even more resource-intensive projects feasible.
When very large data volumes need to be processed, such as large-scale database applications, the Edge Computer can be expanded with an SSD. The housing conveniently provides a mounting space for a 2.5 inch SSD for this purpose. Despite its extended temperature range from −20 °C to 60 °C, the Edge Computer does without a fan and is compact, making it easy to mount on a DIN-rail in a control cabinet without taking up much space. “That also makes it low-maintenance,” adds Dr. A. Kleine.
Standard software and WAGO Docker containers, such as Node-RED, can be used on the Edge Computer. For example, the open-source Grafana application is an excellent choice for graphical data display.
Security also plays an important role in the new devices. A TPM 2.0 chip allows an encryption mechanism to be used to ensure data security. “The devices are also equipped with the best software technology for high security,” says J. Sparmann. “A large proportion of the software on the devices is open-source, so security is always part of the pictures, since the large open-source community is continually reviewing the source code and providing bugfixes.”
Besides the standard VPN applications, the devices are open for special security solutions such as Tosibox and Hooc. Thus, in addition to WAGO’s own VPN solution, users can also access other remote maintenance solutions with a high degree of security, in line with the “Open & Easy” principle.