I. Overview of Smart Agriculture Greenhouse Remote Monitoring Solution

In traditional greenhouse management, growers often spend a significant amount of time and energy traveling to and from the greenhouse to manually record temperature and humidity data. This method is not only inefficient but also suffers from untimely and inaccurate data recording. Especially at night, during inclement weather, or when management personnel are away, sudden changes in the greenhouse environment may go undetected, potentially leading to reduced yields or even crop failure.

To address this pain point, the E870-EG01 edge computing gateway smart agriculture greenhouse remote temperature and humidity monitoring solution was developed. This solution integrates IoT and edge computing technologies, enabling real-time acquisition, remote transmission, cloud storage, and multi-terminal access to greenhouse temperature and humidity data. It upgrades agricultural management from the traditional "human-to-human" model to a "data-driven" smart management model.

II. System Architecture Design

1. Overall Topology

The overall architecture of this system mainly consists of three parts: a cloud data platform, the E870-EG01 edge computing gateway, and temperature and humidity sensors. The cloud-based data platform, mobile app, and computer webpage are responsible for data display, analysis, and alerts; the E870-EG01 edge computing gateway handles data aggregation, protocol conversion, and edge computing; temperature and humidity sensors are distributed across different areas of the greenhouse, collecting temperature and humidity data. These components are connected via networks such as 4G, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi to enable data transmission and interaction.

III. Core Functional Advantages of the E870-EG01 Gateway

1. Multi-Network Access, Adaptable to Various Scenarios

The E870-EG01 edge computing gateway supports multiple network access methods, including 4G full network compatibility, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connections. 4G full network compatibility supports China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom 4G networks, eliminating the need for cabling and making it suitable for remote greenhouses without fixed networks. Ethernet access supports 10/100M adaptive Ethernet, ensuring stability and reliability, suitable for greenhouses with fixed networks. Wi-Fi connection supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, allowing for flexible deployment. Furthermore, the gateway features automatic network switching; when the primary network fails, it automatically switches to a backup network, ensuring uninterrupted network connectivity.

2. Powerful Edge Computing Capabilities

This gateway possesses powerful edge computing capabilities, enabling local data filtering, calibration, and computation, reducing data transmission volume and cloud load. It can also automatically convert Modbus RTU protocol to cloud protocols such as MQTT/HTTP, facilitating integration with cloud platforms. In the event of a network interruption, the gateway automatically stores data and automatically retransmits it upon network recovery, ensuring data integrity. Meanwhile, the gateway also features intelligent alarm functionality. When temperature and humidity data exceed set thresholds, it will promptly trigger an alarm to notify management personnel.

3. Rich Interfaces and Expandability

The E870-EG01 edge computing gateway boasts a rich set of interfaces, including RS485, DI/DO, and AI interfaces. The RS485 interface can connect up to 32 Modbus devices, facilitating the expansion of more sensors; the DI/DO interface can connect to digital sensors to control actuators and achieve automated control; the AI interface supports analog input and can be expanded to include more types of sensors. Furthermore, the gateway supports Node-RED graphical programming, allowing users to customize logic to achieve personalized functions according to their needs.

4. Gateway Access Capacity

① Single Gateway Sensor Connectivity
The E870-EG01 gateway's RS485 interface can connect up to 32 Modbus devices (such as temperature and humidity sensors);

Based on a deployment of 4-6 sensors per greenhouse, a single gateway can cover 5-8 standard greenhouses.

② Gateway Expansion Methods
The number of greenhouses can be linearly expanded by increasing the number of gateways.

Gateway deployment by region is supported, with each gateway responsible for monitoring greenhouses in a designated area.

IV. Detailed Implementation Steps for Agricultural Greenhouse Solutions

Step 1: On-site Equipment Installation

1. Sensor Deployment Strategy

Taking a standard 100m x 50m greenhouse as an example, sensor deployment should follow these principles: Deploy one sensor every 30-50 meters to ensure comprehensive coverage of temperature and humidity data within the greenhouse; Deploy sensors at different heights, including the ground, crop layer, and roof, to obtain more accurate temperature and humidity data; In special areas, such as ventilation openings and irrigation areas, focused monitoring is necessary, and the sensor density can be appropriately increased.

2. Wiring Diagram

The wiring of the temperature and humidity sensors is relatively simple. The red wire connects to DC + (7-30V power positive terminal), the black wire connects to DC - (power negative terminal), the yellow wire connects to RS485 - A, and the green wire connects to RS485 - B. The E870-EG01 gateway wiring involves connecting the RS485 interface in parallel to the A/B lines of all sensors, connecting the power interface to DC 12V power, and installing a 4G antenna on the antenna interface (if using a 4G network).

Step Two: Gateway Configuration

1. Quick Configuration Process

First, connect the computer to the gateway via a USB-to-RS485 adapter. Then, briefly press the RELOAD button on the gateway and click "Enter Configuration" within 3 seconds to enter configuration mode. In configuration mode, set network parameters, including operating mode, server address, port, username, and password; set acquisition parameters, such as polling cycle, device address, function code, starting address, and number of reads. After configuration, save and restart the gateway for the configuration to take effect.

2. Multi-Sensor Configuration Example

The following is an example of multi-sensor configuration:

Step 3: Cloud Platform Configuration

1. Ebyte Cloud Platform Configuration

First, register an enterprise account on the Ebyte cloud platform, then add the E870-EG01 edge computing gateway in device management. Next, perform data point mapping, mapping temperature and humidity values to their corresponding register addresses and setting coefficients. Then, create a temperature and humidity monitoring dashboard, adding chart components to visually display the temperature and humidity data. Finally, set alarm rules to send alarm messages when temperature or humidity exceeds the set threshold.

2. Third-Party Platform Integration

The E870-EG01 edge computing gateway also supports integration with mainstream IoT platforms, such as Alibaba Cloud IoT Platform, Tencent Cloud IoT Hub, and Huawei Cloud IoT. It can interface with these platforms through object model JSON protocol, custom topics, or MQTT protocol to achieve data sharing and interaction. Furthermore, the gateway supports private cloud deployment and provides complete API documentation for easy secondary development by users.

V. Multi-Terminal Access Experience

1. PC Access (Office Management)

Administrators can access https://your-platform.com through a browser and log in using the account and password assigned by the administrator. On the PC, users can view real-time data dashboards to understand the temperature and humidity conditions of all greenhouses; view historical curves to analyze temperature and humidity trends; export reports in Excel/PDF format for easy data organization and analysis; view and handle alarm information and take timely measures; remotely configure gateway and sensor parameters to achieve remote management of equipment.

2. Mobile Access (Mobile Office)

Mobile access offers multiple methods. Users can open the same website in a browser, and the system will automatically adapt to the mobile interface; they can also scan a QR code to quickly access a dedicated page; or install a dedicated APP (if provided). The mobile app features real-time push notifications, sending important alarm information via WeChat or SMS; users can view monitored greenhouses with one click for quick and convenient access; they can also remotely control ventilation, irrigation, and other operations to achieve remote greenhouse management; and they can view the distribution of greenhouses on a map to understand their location information.

3. On-site Large Screen Display (Greenhouse Control Room)

In the greenhouse control room, options include installing a fixed tablet computer for display, an LED display screen to show key data, or timed voice broadcasts of temperature and humidity status. The on-site large screen display allows staff to monitor the greenhouse's temperature and humidity in real time, facilitating on-site management. It also serves as part of a demonstration showcasing modern agricultural management practices and can aid in decision-making, helping staff adjust environmental parameters promptly.

VI. Data Value and Application Expansion

1. Basic Monitoring Functions

This solution features real-time monitoring, updating data every 10 seconds for high real-time performance. Data storage spans over 3 years, supporting queries for any time period. Statistical analysis can be performed daily/weekly/monthly/yearly to understand temperature and humidity patterns. Comparative analysis of data from different greenhouses and different years can also be conducted, providing reference for agricultural production.

2. Intelligent Alarm System

The intelligent alarm system has various alarm logics, including threshold alarms, sudden change alarms, trend alarms, and correlation alarms. The system will send threshold alarms when the temperature exceeds 35℃ or falls below 10℃, and humidity exceeds 85% or falls below 30%. A sudden change alarm will be sent when the temperature changes by more than 5℃ within one hour. A trend alarm will be sent when the temperature continues to rise or fall. A related alarm will be sent when the temperature exceeds 30℃ and humidity falls below 40%, reminding management personnel to take timely measures.

3. Automated Control Linkage

When the temperature exceeds 30℃ and humidity falls below 50%, the system will automatically turn on ventilation equipment, start the mist humidification system, and adjust the opening of the shade net. When the temperature falls below 15℃, the system will automatically turn off ventilation, start the insulation equipment, and send an inspection reminder. Through automated control linkage, precise control of the greenhouse environment can be achieved, improving crop growth quality.

4. Crop Growth Model

The system can automatically calculate effective accumulated temperature and predict the crop growth cycle; combine historical temperature and humidity data to warn of high-incidence periods of pests and diseases; and calculate based on evaporation to recommend irrigation time and water volume, providing scientific guidance for crop growth.

VII. Summary of Solution Advantages

1. Technical Advantages

This solution utilizes edge computing technology, processing data locally to reduce cloud load and improve response speed; it supports multiple mainstream protocols, ensuring strong compatibility; its industrial-grade design allows it to operate in a wide temperature range of -40℃ to +85℃, ensuring high reliability; and it boasts excellent scalability, supporting the addition of sensor types and actuators to meet the needs of different users.

2. Management Advantages

This solution frees up manpower, eliminating the need for manual inspections and reducing on-site workload by 70%; alarm information is pushed instantly, reducing problem detection time from hours to minutes, enabling timely response; data-driven decision-making improves the scientific nature of management; and it supports multi-terminal access, allowing managers to monitor the greenhouse anytime, anywhere, achieving transparent management.

3. Scalability of the Greenhouse Remote Monitoring Solution

The system's greenhouse monitoring capacity is highly scalable, supporting everything from single greenhouses to large-scale cultivation involving thousands of greenhouses. For specific deployment, it is recommended to plan in stages according to actual needs. By increasing the number of gateways and selecting a suitable cloud platform version, simultaneous monitoring of greenhouses of any size can be achieved. For more precise capacity assessment, please contact EBITE's technical support team for on-site surveys and customized solutions.

4. Successful Case Studies

① A Vegetable Greenhouse Project

This project deployed 200 greenhouses and installed 600 sensors. After implementation, labor costs decreased by 65%, and crop yields increased by 18%. User feedback: "Previously, I had to run through all the greenhouses every day; now I can see everything at a glance on my phone," greatly improving management efficiency.

② A Flower Growing Base

This base has different flower varieties with varying temperature and humidity requirements. The solution uses zoned differentiated monitoring and automated control to meet the different growth needs of the flowers. After implementation, flower quality improved, and the export price increased by 12%, achieving good economic benefits.

VIII. Quick Start Guide

If users wish to experience the effects of this solution first, they can purchase a test kit, including one E870-EG01 unit and two temperature and humidity sensors. Set up a test environment in your office or home and use the free version of the EBITE Cloud Platform to fully experience the entire process from data collection to multi-terminal access. The trial period is 7 days.

The E870-EG01 edge computing gateway remote monitoring solution is more than just a technological tool; it's an engine for the digital transformation of modern agricultural management. It upgrades traditional "experience-based agriculture" to "data-driven agriculture," transforming "manual inspection" into "intelligent monitoring," truly realizing "management wherever people are; decision-making wherever data is." Whether you are a greenhouse grower, a cooperative leader, or an agricultural park manager, this solution can bring you tangible value enhancement. Starting today, let data work for you, and let technology create value for you.