MikroTik KNOT

The newest addition to the MikroTik IoT product family – KNOT – is a truly universal device with exceptional connectivity options and protocol support. It is an IoT Gateway that uses Narrow Band and CAT-M technology. Because of the low cost, low bandwidth cellular connection, it is supported by countless mobile operators around the globe.

KNOT can monitor onboard GPIOs, convert Modbus protocol to TCP, and even forward Bluetooth packets to TCP/IP network via HTTPS and MQTT. You can use the KNOT as a TCP bridge from wired Modbus sensors to send readings to a Modbus server. Yes, the KNOT brings wireless connectivity to wired sensors, such as electricity meters and relays. It could be used as a backup connection for the Ethernet or as a management channel for your network. NB/CAT-M monthly plan is much cheaper than LTE. Why spend extra money on bandwidth you don’t need? For example, you can manage a KNOT-powered vending machine with temperature and liquid sensors with only a few megabytes per day!

KNOT features so many protocol support and connectivity options: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, 2x 100 Mbps Ethernet ports with PoE-in and PoE-out, Micro-USB. Maximum convenience at the lowest cost! With the Bluetooth interface, you can use the KNOT for asset tracking and telemetry based on Bluetooth advertisement packets. KNOT supports any BLE tag that sends advertisement data. iBeacon, Eddystone or any other format. It has powerful filters for forwarding only relevant packets and ignoring others.

KNOT is a great tool for most outdoor cabinet IoT applications as well. It comes with a DIN rail mount that allows easy integration with all kinds of setups: from agriculture and asset tracking to cold chain monitoring, industrial manufacturing, and so on.

How would all this work in real life? Well, let’s imagine a hospital. Lots of expensive assets moving across huge buildings. Tools, equipment, meds, you name it. Everything gets moved around all the time. Usually, hospitals have to spend a lot of resources on inventory checking.

Let’s fix that. Place low-cost Bluetooth tags on all the important items. Add a KNOT device in every storage room. Now the hospital management always knows if the equipment is returned to its place. Why stop there? You can add temperature sensors to medical supplies and use the KNOT to keep track. The possibilities are endless.