MGate MB3170/MB3270 Series

Moxa MGate MB3170/MB3270 Brings Legacy Modbus Online

Old equipment doesn't have to hold your network back. The Moxa MGate MB3170 series and Moxa MGate MB3270 series are serial-to-Ethernet gateways built to connect legacy serial devices with modern Ethernet-based networks.

As Moxa Modbus TCP Gateways, they convert between Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII, and Modbus TCP. That means your older equipment can keep working without needing to rip it out and start over.

Both series work well in demanding environments, with wide-temperature variants and flexible routing options available. The biggest advantage of the MGate MB3170/MB3270 series lies in its Auto Device Routing capability, which reduces manual configuration work considerably.

Marine, oil and gas, and factory automation operations all rely on these gateways to keep equipment connected across demanding conditions.

Key Features Worth Knowing Before You Buy

Both series pack a set of features designed to simplify Modbus integration and reduce ongoing maintenance work.

• Serial-to-Ethernet Modbus Gateway: Converts Modbus RTU/ASCII to Modbus TCP for integration with modern Ethernet networks
• Auto Device Routing: Automatically routes Modbus TCP requests to the correct serial device without manual mapping, cutting setup time considerably
• Priority Control: Lets critical data requests take precedence over less time-sensitive traffic, keeping essential communication moving under load
• RS-232/422/485 Serial Support: DB9 connectors and terminal blocks, depending on the model
• Ethernet Cascading: Two Ethernet ports allow devices to be linked in a cascade, reducing the number of switches needed
• Built-in DIN-Rail Mounting: Mounts directly with no extra hardware required
• Redundant Dual Power Input: If one power source fails, the other keeps the gateway running
• Wide-Temperature Variants Available (-40 to 75°C): -T models extend operation into harsh environments; standard models run 0 to 60°C
• Configuration Backup: Settings can be saved and restored, speeding up replacement or scaling across multiple units
• Embedded Web Console: Configuration happens through a browser-based interface, requiring no additional software installation
• Traffic and Status Monitoring: Built-in visibility into data flow and device health, helping identify issues early
• Diagnostic Tools: Onboard diagnostics help pinpoint communication issues without external testing equipment

Where It Delivers: Applications and Reliability

These gateways go beyond basic protocol conversion. They handle PLC communication directly and support SCADA integration, giving operators visibility into serial devices without extra hardware.

That reliability carries into industrial automation more broadly, whether it's factory automation on the plant floor or building automation systems that need serial Modbus devices online. Energy management also benefits, as serial-based energy meters can feed directly into modern data collection systems.

For remote monitoring, devices in hard-to-reach locations become accessible over Ethernet instead of requiring manual checks. Machine connectivity improves too, bringing individual serial-based machines onto a broader network, while legacy device integration keeps older Modbus equipment in service without replacement — a natural bridge into IIoT connectivity once data reaches Modbus TCP.

Isolated (-I) models add up to 2 kV of serial isolation, and for facilities that need to cover longer distances, fiber optic Modbus gateway options (SC/ST, single-mode/multi-mode) are available within the MGate MB3170 series. Space is often tight in industrial panels, which is why these gateways come in a compact, industrial design built for round-the-clock operation. In practice, that flexibility shows up across a wide range of real-world setups:

The MB3170/MB3270 series spans 18 individual models, each built for a specific combination of port count, isolation, temperature range, and Ethernet connector. The table below covers the models most facilities choose between: