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How to Boost Enterprise Performance Using Second-Generation Edge Computers
Contributed By DigiKey's North American Editors
2026-07-21
Continuous change is a defining characteristic of industrial edge computing. Industrial network designers need platforms that deliver the performance and flexibility demanded by the convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) networks or risk falling behind.
An edge computer with Linux-based open software and Docker containers can enable users to more seamlessly bridge between IT and OT networks, and from the floor to the cloud, improving overall enterprise operations. Upgradable hardware is also a bedrock requirement.
The latest processor options are needed to handle massive quantities of data in real time. Expanded memory and storage are required to locally manage growing volumes of data without needing to send everything directly to the cloud.
Linux-based systems using advanced processors and expanded memory also support the advanced security features needed for today’s complex IoT environments. These second-generation systems support a wide variety of pre-developed, open-source, and third-party Edge applications that enhance performance and speed deployments.
Flexible connectivity is a must to handle the diverse communication demands of evolving installations. Edge computers that can be tailored for Ethernet, series and CAN connectivity with added ports for monitors and other peripherals are a must.
This article explores how second-generation edge computers can support high levels of enterprise performance, enhance security, speed installations, and help future-proof operations. Those benefits extend from new installations to upgrades of existing edge computing environments.
Industry 4.0 evolution continues
The edge is a critical location in Industry 4.0. Edge computing takes place where data is created in OT networks, rather than on distant cloud servers. The continuously expanding and evolving sensor networks required to support advanced automation and robots demand new approaches to computing and lots of computing power that second-generation edge computers like the 752-9412 and 752-9813 from WAGO deliver.
The edge is the line of demarcation between local OT and remote IT services. That means edge computers must securely interface with the cloud as well as an increasingly dense deployment of networked sensors, controllers, and other devices. That takes a variety of interconnections. Again, WAGOs’ second-generation computers deliver.
These computers are suited for use in control cabinets on the factory floor where edge processing and communication happen. They are in a rugged aluminum housing for optimal thermal performance using fanless natural convection cooling and have an IP40 ingress protection rating. The operating temperature rating is -20°C to +60°C with a relative humidity (RH) up to 95%. They mount directly to a standard DIN-rail and require a standard 24 Vdc industrial power (Figure 1).
Figure 1: WAGO second-generation edge computers include high-performance processors, generous amounts of internal memory, security, and numerous connectivity types. (Image source: WAGO)
Trustworthy options
With WAGO, industrial network designers have options. They can turn to the model 752-9412 with its Intel Atom X6413E quad-core processor for mid-level applications like real-time machine health monitoring.
The 752-9813 with its Intel Core i7-1185G7E quad-core processor can handle more demanding machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) applications on the factory floor, eliminating latency from cloud connections. The Intel Core i7 processor is also well suited for multitasking like simultaneously logging data, processing video, and running ML/AI tools, without slowing down.
Both edge computers include a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Secure Boot that enable the systems to satisfy the cybersecurity requirements of IEC 62443. That ensures only authorized software runs on the system.
The UEFI Secure Boot is a firmware security standard that guarantees a computer only boots using software and operating systems trusted by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). It prevents unauthorized code from executing during startups offering robust protection against rootkits and malware.
The TPM 2.0 IC securely stores cryptographic keys, passwords, and biometric data. Last, but certainly not least in importance is the Debian-Linux operating system (Table 1).
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Table 1: Comparison of key specifications of the WAGO 752-9412 and 752-9813 second-generation edge computers. (Image source: WAGO)
Debian + Docker
The Debian Linux operating system included in WAGO second-generation edge computers is highly valued for its solid stability, robust security, and strict commitment to free, open-source software.
Importantly, Debian Linux includes native support for TPM 2.0. The Linux kernel supports the required hardware drivers, and it’s easy to install open-source utilities to manage the TPM chip for tasks like disk encryption and secure boot.
Debian fully supports UEFI secure boot. The Debian installer detects the system and automatically installs grub-efi, the UEFI version of the GRand Unified Bootloader (GRUB). It also includes native support for a Microsoft-signed bootloader.
Debian is a preferred environment for Docker containers. It acts as the base for most official Docker images like Nginx, Python, and MySQL. The tight integration between Debian and Docker in WAGO second-generation edge computers speeds up downloads and saves memory.
Docker containers = IIoT benefits
Deploying Docker containers on WAGO second-generation edge computers provides network designers with important benefits, including:
- Programs built on development computers will run exactly the same on a WAGO edge computer.
- Containers are isolated from each other and if one program fails or crashes, it will not damage other programs.
- Docker containers make maximum use of minimal memory resources, making them highly suitable for edge computers.
- Programs can be updated or deleted without turning off the computer ensuring maximum uptime for critical systems.
Figure 2: Docker containers improve edge computer uptime by launching in seconds, consuming fewer resources, and isolating faults. (Image source: WAGO)
Docker container choices
Industrial network designers can choose from three approaches when deploying Docker containers on WAGO second-generation edge computers. The WAGO Docker hub provides pre-built containers for Cloud gateways like AWS IoT Greengrass and Azure IoT Edge, IoT bridges from local hardware protocols like Modbus and OPC-UA to Cloud services, data bases, servers, and more.
In many cases, applications not available on the WAGO Docker hub are available from approved third party suppliers. Some examples include:
- Grafana can be used to generate charts for visualization of machine data.
- Node-RED low-code, visual programming can be used to develop connections for hardware devices, APIs, and online services.
- InfluxDB can be used for logging and storing massive amounts of sensor data delivered by IIoT networks.
- Welotec or Toshibox containers can provide secure access to edge computers from remote locations.
More advanced functions like ML/AI data analysis and continuous process optimization, or building digital twins, can be custom built. Containers can be developed using a combination of Docker Desktop to build and test Docker images on a development computer and Visual Studio Code text editor to quickly write the container and configuration files.
Network developers can use a tool like Portainer to drag, drop, start and stop Docker containers directly on a WAGO edge computer. That powers quick realization of the benefits of Docker containers.
Power options
Power, and in some cases, expanded connectivity, are needed to complete the installation and integration of edge computers. WAGO supports the complete needs of industrial network designers.
Edge computer 752-9412 has a typical power consumption of 19 W with a maximum of 54 W depending on peripherals and processing demands. The power needs of the 752-9813 range from about 30 W (typical) up to a maximum of 95 W.
The WAGO Pro 2 series of high-efficiency industrial power supplies can deliver the 24 Vdc power required by these edge computers. The model 2787-2144 is designed for single-phase power systems and the 2787-2344 has a three-phase input. Both produce 120 W with high power densities in a slim design well-suited for installation in congested control cabinets.
Internal expansion
Some installations can benefit from specialized communication ports, upgraded storage, or connection to legacy devices. The WAGO 752-9412 and 752-9813 edge computers feature several internal expansion slots to support those needs.
Both models include a mPCIe slot that supports a variety of expansion cards like Wi-Fi, 5G/LTE cellular, or specialized fieldbus modules. There’s an M.2 B-Key slot for installing high-speed SSD storage, and a 2.5" SATA SSD slot for installing traditional, large-capacity internal storage drives.
External expansion
To support more complex or evolving networks, WAGO offers external expansion housings in 1-slot (758-9400) and 2-slot (758-9800) versions. Optional expansion modules can be used to add ports for common communication interfaces (Figure 3):
Figure 3: 2-slot (top center) and 1-slot (top right) expansion housings for WAGO edge computers with exemplary expansion modules pictured below including RS-422/485 (left), CAN (center), and Ethernet (right). (Image source: WAGO)
Conclusion
The continued refinement and evolution of Industry 4.0 challenges industrial network designers to deploy future-proof solutions. WAGO’s second-generation edge computers can be a big part of future-proofing important functions from the factory floor to the Cloud. Their greater computing power enables increased use of local data processing and control, eliminating latency concerns with Cloud connections.
Enhanced security ensures protected operations including secure boot and secure communication with all connected devices. Debian Linux supports future-proof solutions by enabling efficient and quick development and deployment of Docker containers to address new IT and OT needs as they arise. Finally, the ability to easily add more connectivity as systems morph and grow provides another layer of future proofing and extends the useful life of edge computing network investments.
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