[Product Recommendation] DSGW-030, A Small-size Cost-effective MTK7688 Wi-Fi Gateway for Quick IoT Deployment

DSGW-030 is a small-size WiFi gateway devices developed based on MediaTek’s MT7688 Wi-Fi platform. It is a cost-effective Wi-Fi gateway with flexible BLE, Zigbee and Z-Wave options to connect various end devices for interconnected communication, as well as ready Microsoft IoT Hub/AWS IoT Core SDK to enable quick deployment of IoT-based smart home, apartment and office automation, remote health monitoring for patients and elderly, and energy management solutions.
wi fi gateway recommendation
Table of Contents

A WiFi gateway is a critical networking device employed to establish a connection between a local area network (LAN) and the Internet. Functioning as a bridge, the WiFi gateway facilitates the transmission of data between the devices on the local network and the broader Internet. It serves as the central point of access, enabling devices within the LAN to communicate with online resources, access web services, and share data with other devices and users across the Internet. This article is going to introduce a Wi-Fi gateway – DSGW-030 MTK7688 Wi-Fi integrated gateway device.

overview of dsgw 030 wifi gateway

What is DSGW-030?

DSGW-030 is an IoT gateway built based on MTK7688 802.11n Wi-Fi platform, which is widely used for home networking devices. This SoC features a 580MHz MIPS® 24KEc™ CPU and complies with Wi-Fi b/g/n standard. In addition, it is also equipped with BLE, Zigbee and Z-Wave modules (up to three wireless protocols simultaneously) to connect and manage smart devices that using these protocols, making it an ideal wireless IoT gateway.

hardware block diagram of dsgw-030 wifi gateway

Features of DSGW-030 Wi-Fi Gateway

  • Processor: MTK 7688AN SoC is a MIPS® 24KEc™ processor harnessing MediaTek’s highly integrated Wi-Fi 2.4GHz technology. Running at 580MHz frequency, it empowers DSGW-030 to efficiently handle various IoT application operating tasks.
  • Programmable: Full access to the OpenWrt OS, including the development toolchain provided to compile the source code for local use.  
  • Integrated Development Environment: A unified development environment is furnished, complete with tools that support various programming languages, including C and C++.
  • Modular Design: Featuring a versatile hardware interface designed with modular option cards, users own the flexibility for targeted customization to satisfy particular interface needs.
  • Multi-protocol Selection: Accommodating up to three wireless protocols (Wi-Fi 2.4G plus BLE 5.2, Zigbee 3.0, or Z-Wave) within a single unit, you can choose a specific model to quickly make the customization.
  • Full Certification: Certifications include FCC, CE, Canada IC, KC, and extend to all supported wireless options like BLE, Zigbee, and Z-Wave, ensuring compliance and reliability.
  • Cloud Integration: Boasting certifications from both AWS and Microsoft Azure, it can serve as a message bridge to associated devices, enabling cloud-hosted solution.
  • Proven Reliability: Undergoing multiple large-scale production, it stands as a testament to its unwavering performance.

Parameter of DSGW-030 Wi-Fi Gateway

Core Specification

CPUMT7688A
Operating SystemOpenWrt
RAM64MB (16MB available development space for the user)
Flash16MB
Operating Temperature0℃~40℃
Operating humidity10%~90%

Physical Specification

WeightTBD
Size70mm x 70mm x 25mm
IP RatingIP 22
InstallationFlat, Ceiling/Wall-mounted

Interfaces

External InterfacesA power supply port
A 10/100 Mbps RJ45 WLAN/LAN variable port
A reset hole
Internal InterfacesA PCB Serial port
A SPI Flash port
A function key (button)
An expansion port for wireless modules
LED

Wireless performance (for more details please read DSGW-030 spec)

Wi-Fi 2.4GIEEE802.11 b/g/n
Security: WPA/WPA2, WEP, TKIP, and AES
Working mode: Bridge, AP Client
Highest Transmission Rate: 300Mbps
Bandwidth (MHz):20MHz/40MHz
BLE 5.2Transmit Power: 19.5dBm
Range: 150 meters maximum in open filed
Receiving Sensibility: [email protected]%BER, 1Mbps
Bandwidth (MHz):2MHz
Zigbee 3.0Range: 100 meters maximum in open field
Transmit Power:17.5dBm
Highest Transmission Rate: 250Kbps
Receiving Sensibility:-94dBm
Bandwidth (MHz):5MHz

Model List of DSGW-030 Wi-Fi Gateway

DSGW-030 offers multiple models primarily differing in wireless module support. Standard models are in stock with a 1-2 week lead time. Highly-customized orders may require a MOQ and extend the lead time to over 8 weeks.

ModelWi-Fi 2.4GBluetooth 5.2Zigbee 3.0Z-Wave 700
DSGW-030-1 Zigbee WiFi gateway yes yes 
DSGW-030-2 Bluetooth WiFi gatewayyesyes  
DSGW-030-4 BLE Zigbee WiFi gatewayyesyesyes 
DSGW-030 Zigbee Z-Wave gatewayyes yesyes

Applications of DSGW-030 Wi-Fi Gateway

DSGW-030 serves as a versatile Wi-Fi gateway platform, catering to a broad spectrum of applications. It facilitates seamless communication with a variety of devices such as smart sockets, door locks, water valves, thermostats, and various medical wearables. Furthermore, it offers effortless integration with cloud services. Below, you’ll find a table outlining some of its use cases, with continuous updates planned.

Use CasesPain PointsSolutions
multiple Zigbee gateway for effective home energy monitoring solutionA Canadian energy management solution provider needed a low-cost multiple Zigbee gateway to enter Australian marketDSGW-030-1 Zigbee Wi-Fi gateway is modified from single Zigbee module to two Zigbee modules. In addition, we help found qualified smart sockets and help finished the required certification for the customer to quickly enter the market.
smart lock gateway for apartment automation solutionSmart apartment property managers are haunted by difficulties in rent collection, lack of centralized management, and reliance on third-party cloud platform as well as data security concern, etc.DSGW-030-1 Zigbee Wi-Fi gateway is adopted to connected to door locks of smart apartment, and we assisted the customer to build their own PAAS platform and give the API for interacting with SAAS platform. Because these apartment businesses mainly operates in mainland China, Dusun IoT also offers installation services for them.
Ayla IoT platform gatewayUpdate laterUpdate later
Z-Wave over IP Gateway (Z/IP Gateway)Update laterUpdate later

Development Guide for DSGW-030 Wi-Fi Gateway

Developing with the DSGW-030 offers two distinct approaches. One streamlines the development process for a quicker result, and the other provides a higher level of customization, albeit with added complexity. Your choice between these two methods should align with your specific project requirements and customization needs

Building an Application Using API

DSGW-030 provides rich APIs for rapid IT application development and seamless end-device integration. Developers can effortlessly craft customized applications by directly accessing the API from the Wi-Fi gateway.

It supports versatile communication protocols, including MQTT, TCP, and HTTP, enabling seamless integration with popular public cloud platforms like Azure IoT and Amazon IoT Core, as well as private cloud platforms. Robust integration support for both existing and new smart devices will be offered.

tutorial resources:

Connect DSGW-030 WiFi gateway to Microsoft IoT Hub platform

Connect DSGW-030 WiFi gateway to MQTT broker with SSL

Embedded Software Development

To embark on embedded software development with the DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway, users should possess a fundamental understanding of programming. We will provide a Quick Start Guide (QSG) that outlines the setup process, including network configuration, SDK installation, and firmware image building and upgrades.

Preparation and Hardware Overview

Before diving into development, you can review the essential hardware specifications below to gain insight into its external and internal interfaces. To ensure a seamless development experience, it is suggested to connect the gateway to your host computer and network for debugging purposes.

  • Processor: MTK7628 (MIPS24KEc(580MHZ))
  • Power Supply: DC-5V/2A
  • RAM: DDR2 128MB
  • NOR Flash: 16MB/32MB
  • Ethernet: LAN/WAN RJ45/10M/100M
  • Bluetooth: ERF32BG21 (optional)
  • Zigbee: EFR32MG1B232
  • Wave: ZG130S (optional)

SDK Compiling and Firmware Programming

Once you’ve completed the aforementioned work, you can proceed by downloading the SDK for the DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway and commence the compilation process. You’ll also be able to program the gateway’s firmware. Detailed tutorials are available to guide you through these steps, ensuring a smooth development experience.

If you encounter any questions or require technical assistance, we encourage you to post your inquiries on Dusun IoT forum. Our Field Application Engineers (FAEs) are readily available to provide responses within 24 hours, bearing in mind the potential time zone differences as Dusun IoT is based in China.

Configuring and Testing 

The next step involves logging into the DSGW-030 gateway via the debug UART port or SSH connection to initiate the function test. The DSGW-030 comes equipped with a Luci GUI page boasting a full range of functions. Within this page, you can monitor the gateway’s status, configure WAN, LAN, and Wi-Fi settings, fine-tune Cloud MQTT parameters (compatible with AWS IoT Core and Microsoft IoT Hub), and assess the functionality of Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Z-Wave features.

Additionally, there are dedicated pages for administrator settings, system network diagnostics, system upgrades, system reboots, and logging out. This user-friendly GUI (gateway user interface) provides direct access for configuring the DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway.

Application Layer Software Development

Developers have the flexibility to create application software for the DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway, enabling control over various aspects such as LED lights (with the ability to turn them on/off or make them blink; this applies to three LEDs: power LED, Zigbee LED, ERR LED), button functionality (two buttons can be customized based on developer requirements), and Wi-Fi configuration, which operates in AP mode.

Developers can also develop Zigbee, Bluetooth, and Z-Wave modules for the DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway. Host development examples and NCP development are both supported.

OpenZWave

OpenZWave empowers developers to craft applications for managing devices within a Z-Wave network, all without necessitating an extensive understanding of the intricate Z-Wave protocol. It’s essential to note that OpenZWave’s primary focus is not on creating Z-Wave devices or nodes. Instead, the project encompasses a core C++ library, accompanied by wrappers and complementary projects. These components facilitate communication with various languages and protocols, ensuring versatile compatibility and ease of integration. Get the OpenZWave developing tutorial and Z-Wave gateway and device suite here.

Bluetooth Beacon Application

Bluetooth communication packets are divided into two types: broadcast packets (Advertising Data) and response packets (Scan Response). Advertising Data serves as a repository for customized product-specific information, while Scan Response houses network distribution details.

A end device leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to transmit specialized broadcast packets. Meanwhile, a corresponding app within the BLE beacon gateway actively scans for these specific broadcasts. The app intelligently filters and assembles a whitelist based on the content of these broadcast packets. This whitelist helps the app distinguish and exclude nearby devices that don’t belong to its designated network, ensuring a secure and selective connection process.

In the process of Bluetooth transmission, two key Characteristics are defined: the Write Characteristic and the Notify Characteristic. These distinct characteristics play pivotal roles in facilitating efficient and robust Bluetooth communication. Get detailed info about BLE beacon development tutorial here.

Reference: Bluetooth SIG Advertising and Scan Response Data Format

Video Tutorials of DSGW-030 Wi-Fi Gateway

DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway quick look

How does DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway integrate with smart switches

DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway connect smart switches and control other smart home gadgets

Add device on companion APPs for DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway 

FAQs of DSGW-030 Wi-Fi Gateway

Is DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway a module-based or MCU-base gateway solution?

The DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway is a SoM-module-based gateway solution. Module-based solutions often provide a more integrated and streamlined approach, where the core components are packaged into a module with an operating system and development environment pre-configured. These modules can be connected to custom carrier boards or integrated into specific applications as needed.

In this context, the Dusun IoT System on Module (SoM) is designed to be ready for use with the operating system, development environment, and connectors readily available. It simplifies the process of integrating the gateway into various applications and projects.

Choosing between a SoM and a Single Board Computer (SBC) depends on the specific project requirements and volume of product sales, as mentioned. SoMs are often preferred for their flexibility and ease of integration, especially in situations where customization and scalability are important factors. You have the option of selecting the SoM or SBC that best meets your requirements, or you can get professional assistance with our sales persons. Know more about Embedded IoT gateway design here.

It’s worth noting that module-based solutions like SoMs can be an efficient way to develop and deploy IoT gateways and other embedded systems, as they provide a standardized and well-supported platform for building custom solutions.

Is it possible to connect to other private protocol Zigbee networks through firmware modification on DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway?

Of course. The ability of the DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway to connect to other private Zigbee networks would largely depend on the data communication format and the specific private Zigbee protocol used by the networks you intend to connect to. It is essential to perform an assessment involves understanding the protocol’s specifications, data format, security features, and any unique requirements.

Meanwhile, to connect to private Zigbee networks, you may need to modify the gateway’s firmware to support the specific protocol and communication requirements of those networks. This may involve implementing the necessary protocols, encryption methods, and data parsing routines. we would be happy to offer individualized service packages for product development if it is possible to do so.

How many end devices can DSGW-030-1 Zigbee Wi-Fi gateway as the Coordinate communicate with at the same time?

The DSGW-030-1 Zigbee Wi-Fi gateway can coordinate communication with up to 40 end devices simultaneously. This means that it can manage and facilitate communication between the gateway (coordinator) and up to 40 individual Zigbee end devices within its network.

How many devices can scan at the same time and is it real-time? (BLE device)

If you imply the BLE scanning, the DSGW-030-2 Bluetooth Wi-Fi gateway continuously scans for nearby Bluetooth devices in real-time but does not upload the device list in real-time. Instead, it periodically uploads the list of scanned devices to your server at specified time intervals. As of now, the maximum number of devices that can be included in this list is 400 devices. This functionality allows you to monitor and track nearby Bluetooth devices efficiently without overwhelming the server with real-time data updates.

Is the communication between the gateway and the sub-device secure?

The use of AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption for communication between the gateway and sub-devices (Zigbee, BLE, and Z-Wave) is a strong indicator of security measures in place. AES is a widely recognized and trusted encryption algorithm known for its robust security. 

Is the communication between the gateway and the platform secure?

In order to ensure that all communications between the gateway and the platform are kept private and secure, MQTT TLS/SSL can be used for those exchanges. Using MQTT with TLS/SSL for communication between the gateway and the cloud platform ensures that the data is encrypted and secure during transmission, providing confidentiality and data integrity.

Whether the gateway can connect to third-party Zigbee devices?

The universal Zigbee gateway will be able to adapt and transfer data to the cloud transparently as long as the device is built in line with the standard for the Zigbee 3.0 protocol.

How far is the transmission distance of the gateway? Does a room have to have a gateway? Can signals go through walls?

The transmission distance of the DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway’s Zigbee function can reach up to 100 meters in open environments. However, the actual coverage and signal strength can vary based on several factors:

  • Environment: The specific environment in which the gateway is deployed can significantly impact the transmission distance and signal strength. Factors like walls, obstacles, interference from other electronic devices, and the presence of reflective surfaces can attenuate the Zigbee signal.
  • Gateway Placement: The placement of the gateway within the environment also plays a crucial role. Placing the gateway in a central location with minimal obstructions can help maximize signal coverage.
  • Walls and Obstacles: Zigbee signals, like most wireless signals, can have difficulty penetrating walls and solid obstacles. The signal strength will weaken as it passes through walls, reducing the effective range.
  • Interference: Nearby electronic devices operating on the same frequency or in the 2.4 GHz range (common for Zigbee) can introduce interference, potentially affecting the signal quality and coverage.
  • Signal Repeaters: In larger or obstructed environments, you can use Zigbee signal repeaters to extend the coverage and improve connectivity between the gateway and Zigbee devices.

Regarding whether a room must have a gateway, it depends on the specific use case and the desired coverage area. In some scenarios, a single gateway may cover an entire room, especially in smaller spaces. However, in larger areas or environments with many walls and obstacles, you may need multiple gateways or repeaters to ensure consistent coverage throughout the space.

Does it support classic Bluetooth devices before Bluetooth 2.0?

The DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway, with its BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) single-mode Bluetooth module set as the default application, primarily supports Bluetooth device communication connections for Bluetooth versions 4.0 and higher, designed for low-power, short-range communication with a focus on IoT and wearable devices. This means it may not be compatible with classic Bluetooth devices using versions earlier than Bluetooth 2.0.

How many BLE devices can be connected to the Bluetooth gateway at the same time? Simultaneously be connected to the Bluetooth gateway?

The ability of a Bluetooth gateway to simultaneously connect to and maintain connections with multiple BLE devices depends on several factors, including the hardware, firmware, and software capabilities of the gateway device. Factors such as the available resources (CPU, memory) and the efficiency of the Bluetooth stack and software can impact the gateway’s ability to handle multiple connections. In the case of the DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway, which is based on the OpenWRT platform, can maintain a steady connection with up to 16 devices and continue to transmit data.

Gateway AP network is repeatedly connecting/disconnecting, is it normal?

Frequent connecting and disconnecting of sub Wi-Fi devices from the gateway’s AP network, especially when the gateway is without an Internet connection, may not be normal behavior and can indicate an issue with the network configuration. Disabling and stopping the “wmsgd” service, which might help address the issue. You could log in the gateway using ssh and run commands /etc/init.d/wmsgd disable;/etc/init.d/wmsgd stop for solving the problem.

I have configures AWS but I cannot add the certs. I have ssh’ed the files to the gateway as Upload feature doesn’t work. I then then choose the files but instead of selecting them it deletes them from the gateway and sets them back to the defaults certs.

It seems like you are encountering an issue with adding certificates to your DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway on AWS, where the uploaded certificates are not being retained and revert to default. You could update the gateway image to the latest version from the resource center. Newer firmware or software updates may include bug fixes or improvements that resolve this issue. Know more about AWS IoT Core API gateway here.

When using the gateway, we found that the signal of the end devices including water leakage sensors and humidity and temperature sensors were sometimes strong and weak, and the device dropped offline. Through on-site inspection, we found that the gateway devices had a network, but the server received push information not from the gateway. 

For signal strength: Please verify that the placement of your gateway provides adequate coverage to the entire area where your end devices are located. Thick walls or obstacles can significantly weaken wireless signals. You can try repositioning the gateway to a more central location within your network to improve signal strength and coverage.

For network stability: Please ensure that your Wi-Fi network is stable and not experiencing interruptions. Unstable network connections can lead to devices dropping offline. If the gateway is connected to your network via Wi-Fi, you may also consider using a wired Ethernet connection instead. Wired connections are generally more stable and can provide a more reliable network connection for the gateway.

Can DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway support us to develop our own MQTT messages and customized Bluetooth mesh communication messages?

Yes, the DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway supports the development of custom MQTT messages and customized Bluetooth mesh communication messages. Typically, customizing Bluetooth mesh messages requires expertise in Bluetooth mesh protocol and firmware development.

DSGW-030 Wi-Fi gateway may offer a BLE2MQTT Mesh API interface that facilitates communication between Bluetooth mesh devices and MQTT. This can simplify the integration of Bluetooth mesh devices into your MQTT-based ecosystem. 

To implement highly customized message handling and behavior, you may need to modify the gateway’s firmware. This customization could involve changing the way the gateway processes and forwards messages between Bluetooth mesh and MQTT, allowing you to tailor the communication to your specific needs. Know more BLE mesh gateway here.

Keep in mind that developing customized messaging solutions, especially for Bluetooth mesh, can be complex and may require expertise in both MQTT and Bluetooth mesh protocols. If you plan to modify the gateway’s program or firmware, it’s essential to have a good understanding of the device’s architecture and the programming languages or tools involved. Do not hesitate to ask for a help in our online forum.

For custom DSGW-030 BLE mesh Wi-Fi gateway development, what kind of technical talents do we need to prepare?

To undertake custom DSGW-030 BLE mesh Wi-Fi gateway development, you need Embedded Linux engineers for developing the firmware and software that runs on the DSGW-030 gateway. They should have expertise in Linux kernel development, device drivers, and familiarity with the specific hardware architecture of the gateway. These engineers can work on the low-level system components and ensure the gateway operates efficiently and reliably.

Hi, I m looking for a router which I can monitor the health status online or offline do you have port forwarding features? I want to stream all the CCTV footages from the 15 locations to my office.

DSGW-030 might not be the good solution for this use case. You can take a a look at our DSGW-023 router gateway. It has a 1 Gigabit network port to provide high-speed connectivity, ensuring efficient data transfer for streaming multiple camera feeds to your office. Meanwhile, it can support 16 channel camera access, which means you can connect up to 16 CCTV cameras to the gateway for monitoring and streaming purposes. In addition, you may want the specific port forwarding capabilities, and we can build a port to turn to your server and send data.

Other MediaTek-based WiFi Gateway Recommendation

DSGW-021 MT7628AN 4G WiFi Router Gateway

DSGW-090 MTK7628 Ceiling-mountable WiFi Gateway Hub with PoE support

DSGW-040 MT7620 WiFi Router Gateway

DSGW-201 Dual-band Wi-Fi Router Gateway with 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Port

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