Method for updating firmware for legacy equipment using integrated repeater

Abstract

A method for updating the firmware of one or more legacy devices performed by an integrated repeater is provided. The method comprises the steps of: downloading one or more firmware update files corresponding to one or more legacy devices from an Element Management System (EMS) server using a first mobile communication technology; receiving information regarding one or more legacy devices from one or more legacy devices; determining a firmware update method based on the information regarding one or more legacy devices; and updating the firmware of one or more legacy devices according to the determined firmware update method.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to mobile communication technology, and more specifically, to a method for updating the firmware of legacy equipment using an integrated repeater. Background Technology

[0002] Due to reasons such as the surrender of frequency licenses through frequency auctions or frequency reallocation, mobile operators are continuously updating the firmware of legacy equipment to change or optimize the functions of legacy equipment that supports older generation wireless access standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access).

[0003] Firmware updates for legacy equipment can be performed by having the legacy equipment download firmware update files through a legacy network. However, due to the slow data speeds of legacy networks, downloading firmware update files takes a long time, and updates often fail, frequently requiring updates to be performed on-site. Additionally, in the case of repeaters among legacy equipment, there is a problem of increased work time and operating expenditure (OPEX) because they include multiple RF modules to provide multi-carrier service and the firmware of each RF module must be updated. The problem to be solved

[0004] The present disclosure is intended to provide a method for updating firmware of legacy equipment that can reduce the time required for firmware updates and improve work convenience. means of solving the problem

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for updating the firmware of one or more legacy devices performed by an integrated relay device may include: the integrated relay device supporting a first mobile communication technology and a second mobile communication technology, and the one or more legacy devices supporting at least a third mobile communication technology, wherein the first mobile communication technology has a faster maximum data speed than the second mobile communication technology and the third mobile communication technology; downloading one or more firmware update files corresponding to the one or more legacy devices from an EMS (Element Management System) server using the first mobile communication technology; receiving information regarding the one or more legacy devices from the one or more legacy devices; determining a firmware update method based on the information regarding the one or more legacy devices; and updating the firmware of the one or more legacy devices according to the determined firmware update method.

[0006] In one embodiment, the step of downloading one or more firmware update files may include the step of downloading a single compressed file containing one or more firmware update files.

[0007] In one embodiment, information regarding the one or more legacy devices may include at least one of the type, manufacturer, connection configuration and method of interoperability with a legacy EMS server of the one or more legacy devices, and the type and manufacturer of one or more modules included in the one or more legacy devices.

[0008] In one embodiment, the step of determining the firmware update method may determine a first method as the firmware update method if the number of one or more legacy devices is less than a predetermined threshold value, and determine a second method as the firmware update method if the number of one or more legacy devices is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value.

[0009] In one embodiment, the step of determining the firmware update method may include classifying the one or more legacy devices into a first legacy device that does not support a file transfer client function and a second legacy device that supports a file transfer client function, and determining the first method as the firmware update method for the first legacy device and determining the second method as the firmware update method for the second legacy device.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first method may include the step of selecting a firmware update file corresponding to each legacy device based on information regarding one or more legacy devices, and the step of transmitting the selected firmware update file to each legacy device through a protocol supported by each legacy device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second method may include the step of activating a file transfer server function, and the step of performing an authentication procedure when a connection request is received from one or more legacy devices, and allowing the connection of the legacy devices if the authentication is successful.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an integrated relay may include a communication interface supporting a first mobile communication technology and a second mobile communication technology, at least one processor, and a memory storing one or more instructions. When the one or more instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the integrated relay may download one or more firmware update files corresponding to one or more legacy equipment from an Element Management System (EMS) server using the first mobile communication technology, wherein the one or more legacy equipment supports at least a third mobile communication technology, and the first mobile communication technology has a faster maximum data speed than the second mobile communication technology and the third mobile communication technology, receive information regarding the one or more legacy equipment from the one or more legacy equipment, determine a firmware update method based on the information regarding the one or more legacy equipment, and update the firmware of the one or more legacy equipment according to the determined firmware update method.

[0013] In one embodiment, downloading the one or more firmware update files may include downloading a single compressed file containing the one or more firmware update files.

[0014] In one embodiment, information regarding the one or more legacy devices may include at least one of the type, manufacturer, connection configuration and method of interoperability with a legacy EMS server of the one or more legacy devices, and the type and manufacturer of one or more modules included in the one or more legacy devices.

[0015] In one embodiment, determining the firmware update method may include determining a first method as the firmware update method if the number of one or more legacy devices is less than a predetermined threshold value, and determining a second method as the firmware update method if the number of one or more legacy devices is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value.

[0016] In one embodiment, determining the firmware update method may include classifying the one or more legacy devices into a first legacy device that does not support a file transfer client function and a second legacy device that supports a file transfer client function, and determining the first method as the firmware update method for the first legacy device and determining the second method as the firmware update method for the second legacy device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first method may include selecting a firmware update file corresponding to each legacy device based on information regarding one or more legacy devices, and transmitting the selected firmware update file to each legacy device through a protocol supported by each legacy device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second method may include activating a file transfer server function and, upon receiving a connection request from one or more legacy devices, performing an authentication procedure and, if authentication is successful, allowing the connection of the legacy devices. Effects of the invention

[0019] According to the firmware update method for legacy equipment using an integrated repeater of the present disclosure, the download speed and download failure rate of the firmware update file can be improved, work convenience can be enhanced, and network operating expenses (OPEX) can be reduced. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system to which a method for updating the firmware of legacy equipment according to one embodiment may be applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the components of an integrated repeater according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for updating the firmware of legacy equipment according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a first method of firmware update according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a second method of firmware update according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0021] The terms used in this disclosure have been selected to be as widely used and general as possible, taking into account their functions within this disclosure; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In specific cases, terms have been selected at the applicant's discretion, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant explanatory sections. Therefore, terms used in this disclosure should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0022] Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art as described in this specification.

[0023] In this disclosure, the term “and / or” includes a combination of a plurality of related described components or any of a plurality of related described components.

[0024] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" or "second," used in this disclosure may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. Such terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0025] In the present disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b, or c” may refer to “a,” “b,” “c,” “a and b,” “a and c,” “b and c,” “all of a, b, and c,” or variations thereof.

[0026] When a part of a specification is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "part" or "module" as used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present disclosure in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification have been given similar reference numerals. In addition, the reference numerals used in each drawing are for the purpose of explaining each drawing, and different reference numerals used in different drawings are not intended to represent different elements.

[0028] In the present disclosure, the modifier "legacy" may mean that the object to be modified is not associated with the latest generation of commercially available mobile communication technologies, but is associated with at least one of the remaining mobile communication technologies. For example, as of 2025, commercially available mobile communication technologies are 5G, 4G, and 3G, so "legacy network" may refer to a 4G network and / or a 3G network, and "legacy repeater" may refer to a repeater that does not support 5G but supports 4G and / or 3G. Therefore, when 6G is commercialized, the "legacy" mentioned in the present disclosure may be interpreted to include 5G.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system to which a method for updating the firmware of legacy equipment according to one embodiment may be applied.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, an integrated repeater (1000) according to one embodiment can update the firmware of one or more legacy devices (2000). One or more legacy devices (2000) can be connected to the same wired network as the integrated repeater (1000) and can exchange data or signals with the integrated repeater (1000) through the wired network.

[0031] The integrated repeater (1000) can support a first mobile communication technology and a second mobile communication technology, and the legacy equipment (2000) can support at least a third mobile communication technology. The first mobile communication technology may have a maximum data rate faster than the second mobile communication technology and the third mobile communication technology. The first mobile communication technology may be the latest generation of commercially available mobile communication technologies. For example, the first mobile communication technology may be 5G, the second mobile communication technology may be 4G, and the third mobile communication technology may be either 4G or 3G, but is not limited thereto.

[0032] The integrated repeater (1000) can amplify signals exchanged between a terminal using the first mobile communication technology and a base station, and can amplify signals exchanged between a terminal using the second mobile communication technology and a base station.

[0033] Legacy equipment (2000) may be any equipment used for building and operating a network of the third mobile communication technology. For example, legacy equipment (2000) may be a repeater, Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment, or core network equipment, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] However, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the following description will explain an example in which the legacy equipment (2000) is a repeater. In this example, the legacy equipment (2000) can amplify the signal exchanged between a terminal supporting third mobile communication technology and a base station.

[0035] Legacy equipment (2000) may include an RF (Radio Frequency) module (2010), a PSU (Power Supply Unit) (2020), a DTU (Digital Transceiver Unit) (2030), and a control module (2040).

[0036] The RF module (2010) can amplify the received wireless signal in a specific frequency band. The legacy equipment (2000) may include a plurality of RF modules (2010) corresponding to the supported mobile communication technology and frequency band. For example, if the legacy equipment (2000) is a legacy integrated repeater that supports both 3G and 4G, the legacy equipment (2000) may include, but is not limited to, a first RF module that amplifies a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) signal, a second RF module that amplifies a WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) signal, a third RF module that amplifies an LTE (Long Term Evolution) signal in the 800 MHz band, a fourth RF module that amplifies an LTE signal in the 1800 MHz band, and a fifth RF module that amplifies an LTE signal in the 2100 MHz band.

[0037] The PSU (2020) can supply power to components or modules included in legacy equipment (2000).

[0038] The DTU (2030) can convert an analog signal into a digital signal or a digital signal into an analog signal, and can improve the quality of the signal by removing noise from the signal.

[0039] The control module (2040) can control the overall operation of the legacy equipment (2000) and can monitor the legacy equipment (2000) together with the legacy EMS server (not shown).

[0040] The components of the legacy equipment (2000) may operate by their respective firmware, and all or part of the firmware of each component of the legacy equipment (2000) may be subject to update. Accordingly, in the present disclosure, updating the firmware of the legacy equipment (2000) may be understood as updating the firmware of all or part of the components of the legacy equipment (2000), and for this purpose, one or more firmware update files corresponding to each component may be required. For example, the firmware update file may be a firmware binary file, but is not limited thereto.

[0041] In an example where the legacy equipment (2000) is a legacy integrated repeater, at least eight firmware update files corresponding to the first RF module, the second RF module, the third RF module, the fourth RF module, the fifth RF module, the PSU (2020), the DTU (2030), and the control module (2040) may be required to update the firmware of the legacy equipment (2000).

[0042] The integrated repeater (1000) can wirelessly communicate with the EMS (Element Management System) server (4000) through the first network (3000) using the first mobile communication technology. For example, the first network (3000) may be a 5G network. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the integrated repeater (1000) may also communicate with the EMS server (4000) through a wired network.

[0043] The EMS server (4000) may be a server that monitors and manages the status of the integrated relay (1000).

[0044] The EMS server (4000) can store one or more firmware update files corresponding to one or more legacy devices (2000). The EMS server (4000) may also store a single compressed file containing all of the one or more firmware update files.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the components of an integrated repeater according to one embodiment.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, an integrated relay (1000) according to one embodiment may include a communication interface (1010), a processor (1020), and a memory (1030).

[0047] The communication interface (1010) can perform data communication with other electronic devices under the control of the processor (1020). The communication interface (1010) can support a first mobile communication technology and a second mobile communication technology.

[0048] The communication interface (2100) may include, for example, one or more RF modules that amplify a received wireless signal in a specific frequency band, a wired communication module for performing data communication with legacy equipment (2000), and an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, but is not limited thereto.

[0049] The processor (1020) can control the overall operations of the integrated repeater (1000). For example, the processor (1020) can control the operations performed by the integrated repeater (1000) to update the firmware of the legacy equipment (2000) by executing repeater software (1032) stored in memory (1030). There may be one or more processors (1020).

[0050] The processor (1020) may be composed of at least one of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, an AP (Application Processor), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), but is not limited thereto.

[0051] The memory (1030) may store repeater software (1032) that can be executed by the processor (1020). The operations of the integrated repeater (1000) described in this disclosure may be implemented by the processor (1020) executing the repeater software (1032) stored in the memory (1030). The repeater software (1032) may include one or more instructions.

[0052] The memory (1030) can store one or more firmware update files (1034) received from the EMS server (4000). In an example where the EMS server (4000) stores a single compressed file, the memory (1030) may store one or more firmware update files (1034) obtained by the processor (1020) decompressing the single compressed file.

[0053] The memory (1030) may include at least one of flash memory, hard disk, RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), but is not limited thereto.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for updating the firmware of legacy equipment according to one embodiment.

[0055] The operations of Fig. 3 can be performed by an integrated relay (1000).

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, in operation 301, the integrated repeater (1000) can download one or more firmware update files corresponding to one or more legacy equipment (2000) from the EMS server (4000) using the first mobile communication technology.

[0057] In an example where the EMS server (4000) stores a single compressed file, the integrated relay (1000) may download the single compressed file from the EMS server (4000) using the first mobile communication technology.

[0058] The integrated relay (1000) can store one or more downloaded firmware update files, or one or more firmware update files obtained by decompressing a single downloaded compressed file, in memory (1030).

[0059] Because third-generation mobile communication technology has slower maximum data speeds compared to first-generation technology and the infrastructure implementing it (e.g., base stations, backhaul, core networks, etc.) is downsized or outdated, downloading firmware update files using third-generation technology takes more time and has a higher probability of failure compared to using first-generation technology.

[0060] A method for updating the firmware of legacy equipment according to one embodiment can improve the download speed and download failure rate by having the integrated repeater (1000) download the firmware update file using the first mobile communication technology instead of the legacy equipment (2000) downloading the firmware update file using the third mobile communication technology.

[0061] In operation 302, the integrated repeater (1000) may receive information regarding one or more legacy equipment (2000) from one or more legacy equipment (2000). The information regarding the legacy equipment (2000) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the type, manufacturer, connection configuration and method of interoperability with the legacy EMS server of the legacy equipment (2000), and the type and manufacturer of one or more modules included in the legacy equipment (2000) (e.g., RF module (2010), PSU (2020), DTU (2030), control module (2040), etc.). The integrated repeater (1000) may receive information regarding the legacy equipment (2000) through a pre-connected wired network.

[0062] For example, the type of legacy equipment (2000) may include, but is not limited to, whether the legacy equipment (2000) is a repeater, a radio access network (RAN) equipment, or a core network equipment, whether the legacy equipment (2000) supports a mobile communication technology, or whether the legacy equipment (2000) operates in an analog or digital manner.

[0063] For example, the connection configuration of the legacy equipment (2000) may include, but is not limited to, where the legacy equipment (2000) is located within the network or what equipment it is connected to.

[0064] For example, the method of linking the legacy equipment (2000) with the legacy EMS server may include how the legacy equipment (2000) communicates with the legacy EMS server, and may include, but is not limited to, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), TR-069, Telnet, or SSH.

[0065] In operation 303, the integrated repeater (1000) can determine a firmware update method based on information regarding one or more legacy devices (2000).

[0066] A firmware update method may include a first method in which an integrated relay (1000) directly performs a firmware update for one or more legacy devices (2000), and a second method in which the integrated relay (1000) operates as a file transfer server so that one or more legacy devices (2000) can download firmware update files in parallel as file transfer clients. For example, in the second method, a server-client model-based file transfer protocol such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), or TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) may be used. The specific process of the first method and the second method will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and FIG. 5.

[0067] In one embodiment, the integrated repeater (1000) may determine the first method as a firmware update method if the number of one or more legacy devices (2000) is less than a predetermined reference value, and may determine the second method as a firmware update method if the number of one or more legacy devices (2000) is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value.

[0068] In the first method, since the integrated repeater (1000) directly transmits the firmware update file, it is difficult to perform firmware updates for multiple legacy devices (2000) simultaneously when considering the resources and network load of the integrated repeater (1000), but it is easy to identify and recover from problems when errors occur during the update process.

[0069] The second method can reduce the resource and network usage of the integrated relay (1000) because the integrated relay (1000) performs only the role of a file transfer server, and can shorten the time required for updates because it is easy to perform firmware updates for multiple legacy devices (2000) simultaneously.

[0070] Therefore, by determining the firmware update method based on the number of one or more legacy devices (2000), the network load can be controlled to an appropriate level and the stability of the update process can be ensured.

[0071] In one embodiment, the integrated relay (1000) may classify one or more legacy equipment (2000) into a first legacy equipment that does not support file transfer client functions and a second legacy equipment that supports file transfer client functions, and may determine a first method as a firmware update method for the first legacy equipment and a second method as a firmware update method for the second legacy equipment. The integrated relay (1000) may classify each legacy equipment (2000) as a first legacy equipment or a second legacy equipment based on at least one of the type or manufacturer of the legacy equipment (2000) and the type or manufacturer of one or more modules included in the legacy equipment (2000).

[0072] For equipment that does not support file transfer client functions, the integrated relay (1000) directly performs updates, and for equipment that supports file transfer client functions, the integrated relay (1000) performs only the function of a file transfer server, thereby reducing unnecessary complexity in the firmware update process and adopting an optimal update path by considering functional differences between one or more legacy devices (2000).

[0073] In operation 304, when a firmware update method for one or more legacy devices (2000) is determined, the integrated relay (1000) may transmit the determined firmware update method and information for performing the firmware update to one or more legacy devices (2000). The information for performing the firmware update may include, but is not limited to, a procedure for the firmware update, an execution command and a progress status, an ID and password for FTP access, and a filename and location of the firmware update file.

[0074] In operation 305, the integrated repeater (1000) can update the firmware of one or more legacy devices (2000) according to a determined firmware update method. Depending on the result of the determination in operation 303, the same update method may be applied to all legacy devices (2000), or a different update method may be applied to each legacy device (2000).

[0075] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a first method of firmware update according to one embodiment.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 4, in operation 401, the integrated repeater (1000) can select a firmware update file corresponding to each legacy equipment (2000) based on information regarding one or more legacy equipment (2000). For example, the integrated repeater (1000) can select a firmware update file from among one or more firmware update files that matches the type and manufacturer of the legacy equipment (2000), or the type and manufacturer of one or more modules included in the legacy equipment (2000).

[0077] In operation 402, the integrated relay (1000) can transmit a selected firmware update file to each legacy device (2000) through a protocol supported by each legacy device (2000). Based on the load status of the network, the integrated relay (1000) may perform operation 402 simultaneously for a plurality of legacy devices (2000) or perform operation 402 sequentially for each legacy device (2000). For example, the protocol used for transmitting the firmware update file may include, but is not limited to, at least one of HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol), and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).

[0078] Once the transmission of the firmware update file is complete, the firmware update can be performed within each legacy device (2000), and the integrated relay (1000) can monitor the firmware update results and report them to the EMS server (4000).

[0079] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a second method of firmware update according to one embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 501, the integrated relay (1000) can enable a file transfer server function. For example, the integrated relay (1000) can run FTP server software, set a folder where one or more firmware update files are stored as a shared folder, and set up an account to be used by each legacy device (2000). However, as described above, the file transfer protocol that can be used in the second method is not limited to FTP, and other server-client model-based file transfer protocols such as SFTP or TFTP may be used.

[0081] In operation 502, the integrated relay (1000) can perform an authentication procedure when it receives a connection request from one or more legacy devices (2000), and if the authentication is successful, it can allow the connection of the legacy devices (2000). For example, the integrated relay (1000) can perform an authentication procedure using an ID and password entered from one or more legacy devices (2000).

[0082] Legacy equipment (2000) that is allowed access can update the firmware by downloading a firmware update file from a shared folder.

[0083] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be implemented in the form of a recording medium comprising computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium may include any volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and inseparable media, that can be accessed by a computer. Additionally, a computer-readable medium may include computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and inseparable media implemented by any method or technique for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium may include other data of modulated data signals, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, or program modules.

[0084] The foregoing description of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, all of the above descriptions should be understood as illustrative and not limiting. For example, a component described in a single form may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described in a distributed manner may likewise be implemented in a combined manner.

[0085] The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalents thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present disclosure. Explanation of the symbols

[0086] 1000: Integrated Repeater 1010: Communication interface 1020: Processor 1030: Memory 1032: Repeater software 1034: Firmware update file 2000: Legacy Equipment 2010: RF Module 2020: PSU 2030: DTU 2040: Control Module 3000: 1st Network 4000: EMS Server

Claims

Claim 1 A method for updating the firmware of one or more legacy devices performed by an integrated repeater, wherein the integrated repeater supports a first mobile communication technology and a second mobile communication technology, and the one or more legacy devices support at least a third mobile communication technology, and the first mobile communication technology has a faster maximum data speed than the second mobile communication technology and the third mobile communication technology; a step of downloading one or more firmware update files corresponding to the one or more legacy devices from an EMS (Element Management System) server using the first mobile communication technology; a step of receiving information regarding the one or more legacy devices from the one or more legacy devices; a step of determining a firmware update method based on the information regarding the one or more legacy devices; and a step of updating the firmware of the one or more legacy devices according to the determined firmware update method. Claim 2 A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of downloading one or more firmware update files comprises the step of downloading a single compressed file containing one or more firmware update files. Claim 3 A method according to claim 1, wherein information regarding one or more legacy devices includes at least one of the type, manufacturer, connection configuration and method of interoperability with a legacy EMS server of the one or more legacy devices, and the type and manufacturer of one or more modules included in the one or more legacy devices. Claim 4 A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining the firmware update method comprises determining a first method as the firmware update method if the number of one or more legacy devices is less than a predetermined reference value, and determining a second method as the firmware update method if the number of one or more legacy devices is greater than or equal to the predetermined reference value. Claim 5 A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining the firmware update method comprises: classifying the one or more legacy devices into a first legacy device that does not support a file transfer client function and a second legacy device that supports a file transfer client function; and determining the first method as the firmware update method for the first legacy device and determining the second method as the firmware update method for the second legacy device. Claim 6 A method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first method comprises the steps of: selecting a firmware update file corresponding to each legacy device based on information regarding one or more legacy devices; and transmitting the selected firmware update file to each legacy device through a protocol supported by each legacy device. Claim 7 A method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second method comprises the step of activating a file transfer server function, and the step of performing an authentication procedure upon receiving a connection request from one or more legacy devices, and allowing the connection of the legacy devices upon successful authentication. Claim 8 An integrated repeater comprising: a communication interface supporting a first mobile communication technology and a second mobile communication technology; at least one processor; and a memory storing one or more instructions, wherein when the one or more instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the integrated repeater downloads one or more firmware update files corresponding to one or more legacy equipment from an EMS (Element Management System) server using the first mobile communication technology, wherein the one or more legacy equipment supports at least a third mobile communication technology, and the first mobile communication technology has a faster maximum data speed than the second mobile communication technology and the third mobile communication technology, receives information regarding the one or more legacy equipment from the one or more legacy equipment, determines a firmware update method based on the information regarding the one or more legacy equipment, and updates the firmware of the one or more legacy equipment according to the determined firmware update method. Claim 9 In claim 8, the integrated relay, wherein downloading one or more firmware update files comprises downloading a single compressed file containing one or more firmware update files. Claim 10 In claim 8, the information regarding the one or more legacy devices comprises at least one of the type, manufacturer, connection configuration and method of interoperability with a legacy EMS server of the one or more legacy devices, and the type and manufacturer of one or more modules included in the one or more legacy devices, for an integrated repeater. Claim 11 An integrated repeater according to claim 8, wherein determining the firmware update method comprises determining a first method as the firmware update method if the number of one or more legacy devices is less than a predetermined threshold value, and determining a second method as the firmware update method if the number of one or more legacy devices is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value. Claim 12 An integrated repeater according to claim 8, wherein determining the firmware update method comprises classifying the one or more legacy devices into a first legacy device that does not support a file transfer client function and a second legacy device that supports a file transfer client function, and determining the first method as the firmware update method for the first legacy device and determining the second method as the firmware update method for the second legacy device. Claim 13 An integrated relay according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first method comprises selecting a firmware update file corresponding to each legacy device based on information regarding one or more legacy devices, and transmitting the selected firmware update file to each legacy device through a protocol supported by each legacy device. Claim 14 An integrated relay according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second method comprises activating a file transfer server function and, upon receiving a connection request from one or more legacy devices, performing an authentication procedure and, upon successful authentication, allowing the connection of the legacy devices.

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