Ever wished your IoT gateway could do X or Y or Z? It’s possible your gateway already has that feature—and you just didn’t know it.

Remember, when you’re deploying a device that connects your building systems, industrial controls, or manufacturing operations to the cloud, you’re not just looking for connectivity, you’re looking for security, flexibility, and future-ready performance—right out of the box.

In this blog post, we’re lifting the hood on our industry-leading multi-protocol gateways. So, let’s take a closer look at what makes MSA FieldServer gateways a favorite among OEMs and system integrators for building automation, remote monitoring, energy metering, and life safety.

FieldSafe: Built-In Security for Peace of Mind

FieldSafe is an important cybersecurity feature we’ve made standard on every FieldServer multi-protocol gateway. This built-in security measure is designed to protect users from unauthorized access, malware, and ever-evolving cybersecurity threats, while helping ensure that users deploy one of the most secure and future-ready IoT gateways available today.

Here’s how it works:

• Delivers a multi-layered security architecture that helps safeguard connected environments.
• Enables secure, authenticated access across deployments.
• Includes HTTPS protocols for encrypted communication and login control through multiple user profiles and access levels.

In addition to built-in security configurations, MSA conducts annual third-party penetration testing to ensure that every gateway meets current standards for secure device deployment.

Note: Third-party penetration testing is when ethical hackers attempt to find vulnerabilities in our firmware so we can address them before they become an operational risk.

Small Size, Big Flexibility

FieldServer gateways are designed with space-constrained environments in mind, offering flexible mounting options in various environments, including DIN-rail, wall, and panel installations.

Designed for deployment flexibility, FieldServer gateways are compact and ready for installation wherever secure, multi-protocol connectivity is needed, including:

• Control panels
• OEM enclosures
• Data center racks
• HVAC housings
• Fire alarm panels
• Smart infrastructure

With many hardware variations, users can choose the size that best fits the project or product. For example, compact box-style devices like ProtoNode, QuickServer, EZ Gateway, ProtoAir, and our BACnet IoT gateways mount seamlessly to the side of any system. Because they’re a plug-and-play solution, deployment is fast—no hardware redesign required.

For OEMs looking for something more native, embedded modules like ProtoCessor and ProtoCarrier integrate directly into the device, so they remain fully hidden from view, native to the OEMs brand, and for a lower price point.

Connected Everywhere: Wi-Fi, Cellular, and Cloud-Ready

FieldServer supports a wide range of connectivity options, including embedded wired and wireless configurations. For wireless applications, ProtoAir and BACnet IoT Gateway both deliver secure, cloud-ready connectivity with support for wi-fiand cellular networks.

Not only are these gateways fully compatible with our secure cloud environment, the MSA Grid, they’re designed to seamlessly integrate with third-party cloud platforms, too.

Featuring built-in remote monitoring, real-time notifications, and automation alerts sent directly to mobile devices, FieldServer enables instant visibility, on any site and off the grid.

• Dual connectivity options (Wi-Fi + cellular) with multiple carrier support (including international).
• Cloud flexibility with seamless integration to MSA Grid or third-party platforms.
• Real-time alarms and mobile alerts for proactive response.
• Secure remote access to devices and data without the need for on-site personnel.

Stay Updated Automatically

Available with automatic firmware updates (when toggled on), MSA’s FieldServer devices stay secure and current without requiring manual intervention.

We also offer users the option to pre-program the FieldServer gateways with their own firmware of choice. This is especially useful for those who need to deploy at scale, eliminating the need to manually load firmware during enterprise-wide installation.

The benefits of FieldServer automatic firmware include:

• Faster deployment
• Virtual elimination of need for on-site personnel to perform updates
• More consistent deployment and firmware updates across multiple units and installation sites
• Flexibility to load custom firmware, as needed

Speaks 140+ Languages

With support for 140+ protocol drivers, FieldServer gateways help bridge the language gap, making it an ideal solution for both legacy integration and future-forward IoT deployments.

With our FieldServer products, users can go from Modbus to BACnet, LonWorks to SNMP, or any number of combinations—all in one device.

Industry Agnostic

Designed to integrate seamlessly with building management systems (BMS), building automation systems (BAS), and third-party platforms, our FieldServer gateway solutions make it simple to monitor and manage energy consumption, automate alerts, and unify disparate devices.

With an industry-agnostic, plug-and-play design, FieldServer is easy to scale, standardize, and deploy across a wide variety of applications. No need to re-engineer networks or invest in new and expensive systems.

From protocol translation to cloud connectivity to remote monitoring, the MSA FieldServer can be found hard at work in locations all around the globe, including:

• Quick-serve restaurants: HVAC and refrigeration monitoring
• Data centers: Cooling, energy, and fire management
• Educational and hospital campuses: Control and lighting access
• Industrial sites: Legacy PLCs and cloud system integration
• Multi-site enterprises: Centralized, remote monitoring and management

Multiple Applications, One Out-of-the-Box Platform

FieldServer devices provide multi-application support to simplify system integration and provide real-time and remote access, monitoring, troubleshooting, and notifications for these applications:

• Building automation
• Energy management
• Industrial automation
• Fire alarm panels

Anywhere, Anytime Visibility

In addition to gateway solutions, the FieldServer Manager cloud-based SaaS (Software as a Service) subscription enables anytime, anywhere monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting. Plus, FieldVEU subscription service for cloud-registered devices extends visibility beyond the desktop to any mobile device so users can receive insights about a specific end device quickly and conveniently.

Together, FieldServer Manager and FieldVEU simplify the monitoring, management, and support of FieldServer gateways in the field. With a visual grid and interactive map view, users can easily locate and access deployed gateways across multiple sites. The platform also enables users to configure devices, push firmware updates, and integrate data with business applications and third-party cloud services, all from a central dashboard.

Key features include:

• Visual device management with location-based grid and map views.
• Remote configuration and updates for all connected FieldServer gateways.
• Event monitoring with detailed logs to support proactive diagnostics.

No VPN Required 

Proxy Tunnel is a secure feature within the MSA Grid that allows users to remotely view and interact with the native web interface of any device connected to FieldServer gateways. No need for on-site personnel, complicated VPNs, or port forwarding.

• Enhances remote management: Gives users a direct window into a device’s user interface, as if it was not on a local network.
• Extends access: While FieldServer Manager handles device configuration, monitoring, and events, Proxy Tunnel provides hands-on access to devices for advanced diagnostics or settings changes.
• Delivers more control: When combined with mobile alerts, remote configuration, and map-based interface, Proxy Tunnel centralizes systems control from anywhere.

Final Thoughts

In a world where connected systems are mission-critical, our FieldServer gateway solutions offer more than just protocol translation: They deliver smart, secure, scalable solutions to power most building, industrial, or energy automation strategies.

Whether rolling out something new, leveling up an automation strategy, or modernizing existing infrastructure, FieldServer delivers control and confidence so organizations can move forward seamlessly.

For more information on making connecting systems easier and more efficient, contact us.