MediaTek Genio + ASIX AX88179B: Multi‑Port Networking Solution for IoT

In Edge AI Intelligence of Things (IoT) applications, edge computing devices often need to connect to multiple network environments simultaneously to ensure data isolation, security, real time responsiveness, and high availability. The MediaTek Genio SoC series development platform is a high performance, fanless edge IoT solution with powerful AI processing and multimedia capabilities, widely used in smart home, smart factory, and interactive retail scenarios. However, its native network interfaces are limited. By integrating the ASIX AX88179B USB 3.2 to Gigabit Ethernet Controller into the Genio platform, developers can quickly expand high speed, stable multi port wired connectivity to meet diverse application requirements.

Multi Port Networking in IoT: Key Benefits and Applications

In real world IoT deployments, multi port networking offers several key advantages:

• Industrial Automation – Dedicated ports for internal control systems and cloud monitoring ensure secure, isolated data flows.
• Smart Retail/Smart City – Dual connections to local sensors and external services guarantee real time insights and continuous operations.
• High Availability & Network Redundancy – Network redundancy and load balancing improve system stability and fault tolerance.

For the MediaTek Genio 520 IoT platform, the ability to quickly and reliably expand multiple network ports directly impacts product competitiveness, development timelines, and time to market.

Integrating AX88179B for Multi Port AIoT Networking

The ASIX AX88179B is a USB 3.2 Gen 1 to Gigabit Ethernet controller that enables the MediaTek Genio SoC series to expand with an additional high speed, stable wired network port via a USB interface. Its advantages include:

• Gigabit performance with low latency for real time workloads 
• Broad OS compatibility, including Linux (including Yocto), Windows, macOS, Android, and Chrome OS. 
• Plug and play convenience with built in drivers
• Low power efficiency for fanless IoT designs
• IEEE 1588v2 and 802.1AS PTP support for precise time synchronization

On the Genio Yocto platform, the AX88179B driver can be integrated into the system image, enabling immediate multi port operation at startup — shortening time to market and ensuring robust performance.

ASIX’s Value Added Services for the MediaTek Genio SoC Platform

Beyond delivering the AX88179B USB Ethernet controller, ASIX partners with MediaTek to provide comprehensive technical support that speeds up multi port networking deployment on the Genio SoC platform. The value added services include:

• Integrated and optimized drivers for Genio Yocto BSP with full validation
• Hardware reference designs and expert consultation for faster development
• Stable supply and upgrade path to next gen 2.5G Ethernet solutions

This partnership ensures IoT solutions that are faster to deploy, more reliable in operation, and stronger in market positioning.

Conclusion

As the AI-based IoT market grows increasingly competitive, multi port networking has become a critical differentiator for edge computing devices. ASIX Electronics and MediaTek maintain a close, long term technical partnership, continuously integrating the latest USB 3.2 to 2.5G Ethernet controllers into the newest Genio platforms. This collaboration enhances high speed multi port performance and precise time synchronization, driving innovation across smart IoT and industrial IoT (IIoT) applications.