Logical Network Construction Across Multiple Gateway Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network systems lack a mechanism for enabling communication between devices connected to different gateway devices.

Innovation Solution

A logical network construction system comprising a first and second gateway device, a controller, and storage units that store device connection and route definition lists, allowing communication between devices connected to different gateway devices based on these lists.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a network system uses multiple gateway devices for device connections, then device flexibility and connectivity options are improved, but the ability to communicate between devices connected to different gateway devices deteriorates (no communication mechanism exists)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple gateway devices into a unified logical network structure where gateways can communicate with each other. By creating inter-gateway communication channels and establishing a logical network that spans multiple physical gateways, the system enables devices connected to different gateways to communicate seamlessly, thus resolving the communication barrier while maintaining device flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms including gateway-to-gateway communication protocols and logical network constructs that act as mediators between devices on different gateways. These intermediaries facilitate message routing and data transmission across gateway boundaries, enabling communication without requiring direct device-to-device connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a network system establishes communication between devices on different gateway devices, then communication capability is improved, but system complexity increases (requiring route definition lists and device connection lists)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically generates and maintains route definition lists and device connection lists. The gateways and controller work together to dynamically discover devices, automatically populate routing information, and update connection records without requiring manual configuration. This automation reduces the perceived complexity for users while maintaining robust communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the logical network framework and inter-gateway communication channels before devices need to communicate. Route definition lists and device connection lists are prepared and maintained in advance, allowing the system to quickly establish communication paths when devices connect, rather than configuring everything from scratch at the moment of need.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If manual configuration of network routes and device connections is required, then communication precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates (requires significant user setup)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication precisionVSAvoiduser setup effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors device connections, communication status, and route effectiveness. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts route definitions and connection lists to maintain precise communication paths. This closed-loop approach ensures communication precision is maintained automatically without requiring users to manually configure or adjust settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically discovering devices, determining optimal communication routes, and configuring connection lists without user intervention. The automatic configuration processes maintain communication precision through algorithmic route selection and dynamic list updates, eliminating the need for users to perform complex manual setup while preserving accurate device-to-device communication paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12549469B2Logical network construction system, gateway device, controller, and logical network construction method
Publication Date: 2026.02.10 NEC CORP
  • US12549469B2 patent drawing
  • US12549469B2 patent drawing
  • US12549469B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An object is to provide a logical network construction system.A logical network construction system is provided with first and second gateway devices and a controller which communicate with each other via a network, a source device, a destination device, and a storage unit in which an entire device connection list and an entire route definition list are stored. A controller constructs a logical network for communication between a source device connected to a first port of a first gateway device and a destination device connected to a second port of a second gateway device on the basis of an entire device connection list and an entire route definition list.