Native support for Modbus TCP/RTU, DNP3, IEC 60870-5-101/104, OPC UA (as client/server) for seamless integration with industrial control systems.
Power Supply
Wide-range DC input (e.g., 9-36 V DC or 12-48 V DC), suitable for vehicle and solar/battery-powered installations.
Operating Temperature
Extended range, typically -40°C to +75°C (-40°F to +167°F) for operation in extreme climates.
Enclosure & Certifications
Rugged metal housing, IP67 or IP30 rated (depending on variant), designed for vibration and shock resistance. Certifications: CE, FCC, ATEX / IECEx Zone 2 (optional).
Management
Web-based configuration, CLI (Command Line Interface), and often integrated with centralized device management platforms (like GE’s M2M Management Suite).
The GE HYDRANGEA M2-X is a high-performance, multi-functional industrial-grade cellular router/gateway, part of GE’s (now part of ABB) robust and versatile Hydrangea series of wireless communication solutions for critical infrastructure and industrial IoT (Internet of Things) applications. This device serves as a secure, reliable, and intelligent communications hub, enabling remote monitoring, control, and data acquisition for assets deployed in geographically dispersed or difficult-to-wire locations. It establishes a secure broadband connection over public cellular networks (4G LTE, with potential for 5G readiness) and functions as a network router, firewall, and VPN (Virtual Private Network) endpoint, creating a private, encrypted tunnel for data transmission between field devices and central control centers or cloud platforms. The «M2-X» variant indicates specific feature sets, such as enhanced processing power, additional I/O options, or support for specific industrial protocols.
Designed for harsh environments, the GE HYDRANGEA M2-X is more than just a modem; it is a compact, ruggedized industrial computer. It typically incorporates multiple communication interfaces—such as Ethernet, serial (RS-232/485), and digital I/O—allowing it to connect to a wide array of field equipment like PLCs, RTUs, sensors, and meters. Its primary value lies in providing secure, always-on connectivity for SCADA systems, remote telemetry, fleet management, and predictive maintenance applications. For operators in sectors like utilities, oil and gas, transportation, and smart cities, the GE HYDRANGEA M2-X ensures that critical data from pumps, pipelines, transformers, traffic signals, or environmental sensors can be transmitted back to decision-makers in real-time, enabling proactive operations, reducing site visits, and enhancing overall system reliability and efficiency.
Technical Specifications
Parameter Name
Parameter Value
Product Model
GE HYDRANGEA M2-X
Manufacturer
GE (General Electric) — Digital Business (now part of ABB’s portfolio)
Product Type
Industrial Cellular Router / Secure Gateway
Cellular Technology
4G LTE Cat 4 or higher, with backward compatibility to 3G/2G fallback. Multi-operator support (SIM form factor may vary).
WAN/LAN Interfaces
Dual or multiple Ethernet ports (10/100/1000 Mbps), with support for WAN failover (e.g., to a secondary cellular or wired connection).
Serial Interfaces
1-2 x RS-232 / RS-485 serial ports for connecting legacy devices (PLCs, meters, sensors).
Digital I/O
Optional general-purpose Digital Inputs/Outputs for monitoring status or controlling remote devices.
Native support for Modbus TCP/RTU, DNP3, IEC 60870-5-101/104, OPC UA (as client/server) for seamless integration with industrial control systems.
Power Supply
Wide-range DC input (e.g., 9-36 V DC or 12-48 V DC), suitable for vehicle and solar/battery-powered installations.
Operating Temperature
Extended range, typically -40°C to +75°C (-40°F to +167°F) for operation in extreme climates.
Enclosure & Certifications
Rugged metal housing, IP67 or IP30 rated (depending on variant), designed for vibration and shock resistance. Certifications: CE, FCC, ATEX / IECEx Zone 2 (optional).
Management
Web-based configuration, CLI (Command Line Interface), and often integrated with centralized device management platforms (like GE’s M2M Management Suite).
Key Features and Advantages
The GE HYDRANGEA M2-X excels through its combination of robust industrial design and advanced networking capabilities. Its foremost advantage is secure and reliable connectivity in challenging environments. Built to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration, and electromagnetic interference, it delivers carrier-grade performance where standard consumer routers would fail. The support for multiple cellular carriers and automatic fallback ensures the highest possible network availability, even in areas with spotty coverage from a single provider.
HYDRAN M2
Comprehensive security is built into its core. Acting as a frontline security appliance, it features an industrial-strength firewall and supports multiple VPN protocols (IPsec, OpenVPN, SSL) to create encrypted tunnels over public cellular networks. This ensures that sensitive operational data from field devices is protected from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Its native support for industrial protocols like Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 60870 eliminates the need for external protocol converters, allowing it to communicate directly with PLCs, RTUs, and protective relays, simplifying architecture and reducing points of failure.
Remote management and diagnostic intelligence significantly reduce operational costs. The device can be configured, monitored, and firmware-updated remotely via centralized management software. This allows IT/OT teams to manage thousands of edge devices without physical site visits. Features like data usage monitoring, signal strength reporting, and event-triggered alerts (e.g., on digital input change or connectivity loss) enable proactive maintenance. The optional digital I/O allows the gateway to perform basic local control or monitor the status of external equipment (e.g., door sensors, alarm beacons), adding an extra layer of functionality. For system integrators, the GE HYDRANGEA M2-X provides a future-proof, all-in-one communication backbone that simplifies deployment, enhances security, and ensures data flow for critical industrial and infrastructure applications.
Application Areas
The GE HYDRANGEA M2-X is deployed across industries where reliable, secure remote communication with dispersed assets is critical. In the oil & gas sector, it is used for remote monitoring of wellheads, pipelines (SCADA for leak detection, pressure/flow monitoring), compressor stations, and tank farms, transmitting data from field instruments back to central control rooms.
Within electric power transmission and distribution, it provides communication for smart grid applications, including remote monitoring of substations (RTU connectivity), reclosers, capacitor banks, and distributed energy resources (DERs like solar farms). For water and wastewater management, it enables SCADA connectivity for remote pump stations, lift stations, reservoir levels, and water quality monitoring sensors across vast geographical areas.
In transportation and smart cities, it connects to traffic signal controllers, variable message signs, tunnel ventilation systems, and environmental monitoring stations. For industrial IoT and predictive maintenance, it facilitates data collection from machinery sensors on mining equipment, manufacturing lines, or wind turbines, sending operational data to cloud-based analytics platforms. Essentially, the GE HYDRANGEA M2-X is the ideal solution for any «last-mile» communication challenge in harsh or remote locations, bridging the gap between field operational technology (OT) and enterprise information technology (IT) or control centers.
Related Products
GE HYDRANGEA M1 or M3 Series: Other models in the Hydrangea family, potentially with different performance tiers, I/O counts, or form factors (e.g., M1 for basic routing, M3 for higher performance or specific vertical applications).
GE M2M Management Suite (or equivalent ABB solution): Centralized cloud or on-premises software platform for mass configuration, monitoring, and firmware management of deployed Hydrangea routers.
Industrial Antennas: High-gain, ruggedized cellular and GPS antennas designed for optimal signal reception in industrial settings.
Power Supplies & Accessories: DIN-rail mountable, wide-voltage DC power supplies suitable for panel integration with the router.
SIM Cards: Industrial-grade, data-only M2M SIM cards with appropriate data plans from cellular network operators.
Protocol Gateway/Converter (e.g., Red Lion, Moxa): While the Hydrangea has built-in protocol support, dedicated gateways might be used in conjunction for very complex legacy protocol translation.
Industrial Ethernet Switch: To expand the number of wired Ethernet devices connected locally to the Hydrangea router at a remote site.
Remote Terminal Unit (RTU): A device that the Hydrangea router might connect to, aggregating data from multiple field I/Os before transmission.
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