Selecting the Type of Gateway

Gateway Deployment Options

Mapped offers hardware, virtual and cloud-based gateway deployments. All options deliver the same Mapped features and functionality, so you can choose the setup that best fits your team's infrastructure and expertise.

Hardware Gateway

The hardware gateway is a physical device that gets plugged directly into the network, requiring no additional servers, no additional software. The device gets shipped to the site, and then housed in the appropriate server room / server rack. Best for teams that prefer no additional software and lack virtualization expertise or infrastructure. Read more about hardware gateway installation.

Virtual Machine (VM) Gateway

Virtualization platforms enable the creation and management of multiple virtual instances of a physical computer system. We currently support a VM based deployment, and support VMWare, Hyper-V, and Nutanix. Best for teams with existing virtualization infrastructure, networking support to deploy and manage VM images. Read more about virtual gateway installation.

Container / Software Gateway

The UG-CLOUD Software Gateway can be installed through container services like Docker, Kubernetes or Neeve Secure Edge. This option requires someone familiar with the container platform, as we are unable to provide consistent Docker/Kubernetes/Neeve support due to the myriad of versions and configurations that have to be maintained. That said, if the expertise is present, this option can be relatively quick and easy. Best for teams that already use containers and have in-house expertise, prefer not to use VMs or hardware. Read more about container gateway installation.

How to choose the right option

Choose Virtual Machine (VM) Gateway if:

• Your network has a Virtual Machine platform available, such as VMWare or Hyper-V
• Your team has internal IT/networking support to help deploy an image utilizing the VM

Choose Hardware Gateway if:

• A VM platform isn't available, or your IT team is unfamiliar with the platform
• Your prefer a physical, plug-and-play solution without any additional software or platforms

Choose Container / Software Gateway if:

• A VM platform is unavailable
• You're uncomfortable with additional hardware on your network
• You have a container platform with an available domain expert

Still unsure?

All options operate the same way to detect devices, extract the data and send it on its way, so we're happy to help you figure out which method works best for you and your team. If you need help deciding, please don't hesitate to contact support.

If you've decided, check out the Gateway Installation Precheck.