Virtual Gateway Interfaces for Non-Ethernet IoT Network Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing gateway devices in IoT architectures have poor generality due to fixed network interfaces, requiring different devices for different perception layer networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that enables a gateway device to create virtual interfaces corresponding to non-Ethernet interfaces on an interface extension device, allowing connection to various perception layer networks through an Ethernet interface, with MAC address equivalence ensuring data transfer and protocol conversion handled by the interface extension device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different gateway devices are used for different perception layer networks, then connection to various networks is achieved, but device complexity and deployment difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegateway device generalityVSAvoidgateway device configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway device is designed with multi-functionality by enabling a single device to support multiple perception layer network interfaces through the interface extension device. The gateway can handle Ethernet, PLC, RF, and other network types through virtual interface creation, making one gateway device universal for different network types rather than requiring dedicated devices for each network type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface extension device acts as an intermediary between the gateway device and various perception layer networks. It provides the physical non-Ethernet interfaces and works with the gateway to create virtual interfaces, mediating the connection between the standardized Ethernet-based gateway and diverse network protocols without requiring the gateway itself to have multiple specialized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple physical interfaces are added to the gateway device, then connection to different networks is enabled, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork interface varietyVSAvoidgateway device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding multiple physical interfaces to the gateway device, the system creates virtual copies of network interfaces through software. The gateway device creates virtual interfaces that replicate the functionality of physical non-Ethernet interfaces, allowing multiple network types to be supported through virtualization rather than physical duplication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of multiple hardware interfaces with a software-based virtual interface system. Rather than physically adding PLC interfaces, RF interfaces, or other specialized connectors to the gateway device, the system uses software to create virtual representations of these interfaces that can be managed through the existing Ethernet connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a single gateway device is used for multiple networks, then device simplicity is maintained, but network connection capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegateway device structureVSAvoidperception layer network connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway device achieves dynamic adaptability through virtual interface creation. Instead of having fixed physical interfaces, the gateway can dynamically create and configure virtual interfaces based on the perception layer network type being connected. This allows a single simple device to adapt to multiple network types through software configuration rather than hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the gateway device by modifying software configurations rather than hardware. By changing parameters such as virtual interface types, MAC addresses, and network protocols through software, the gateway device can adapt to different perception layer networks while maintaining its simple physical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12537792B2Interface extension method, apparatus, and system

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A gateway device receives interface information sent by an interface extension device, where an Ethernet interface of the interface extension device is connected to a target Ethernet interface of the gateway device, and the interface information includes an interface type and a media access control (MAC) address of a first non-Ethernet interface of the interface extension device. The gateway device creates a first virtual interface on the target Ethernet interface based on the interface information, where the first virtual interface corresponds to the first non-Ethernet interface, and an interface type of the first virtual interface is an Ethernet interface. The gateway device sends an interface creation success notification to the interface extension device. The gateway device may obtain data of the first non-Ethernet interface through the first virtual interface, thereby implementing interface extension of the gateway device.