Dual-Mode IoT Firmware Updates via Mode Switching
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless access networks face challenges in managing firmware updates for IoT devices without overloading resources, leading to cell site congestion and excessive data usage for subscribers, which can result in higher bills and customer dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-mode IoT device that switches between NB-IoT and CAT-M1 modes for normal operations and firmware updates respectively, limiting file sizes for updates, and enforcing restrictions on mode switching to prevent resource burden and data overuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware updates are performed for IoT devices using wireless access network, then device functionality is improved, but network resources are overloaded and cell site congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the firmware update data transmission from the standard cellular network path by implementing a direct peer-to-peer connection between the server and IoT device. This bypasses the cellular base stations and core network elements, removing the update traffic burden from the cellular network infrastructure while still delivering firmware updates reliably to devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a local wireless access point as an intermediary for firmware update transfers. The server communicates with the IoT device through this local access point rather than through the cellular network, using protocols like Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth. This intermediary handles the large data transfer locally, preventing network overload while maintaining update capability.
2Reliability
If firmware updates are transmitted through wireless network, then device is updated, but subscriber data usage increases leading to higher bills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts firmware update data transmission from the subscriber's cellular data plan by establishing a separate direct communication channel between the server and device. Updates are delivered through this dedicated peer-to-peer connection using local wireless protocols, completely separating update traffic from the subscriber's billed data usage and eliminating additional charges.
3Productivity
If dual-mode switching is implemented for firmware updates, then network efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability in the IoT device, allowing it to adapt between cellular network mode and local wireless access point mode based on the operation being performed. The device automatically selects the appropriate communication mode - using cellular for normal operation and local wireless for firmware updates - optimizing network efficiency without requiring permanent complex dual-mode hardware configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may receive a request to perform a firmware update on an Internet of Things (IoT) device and determine whether the IoT device is capable of switching from a first mode to a second mode. The IoT device sends and receives data via first channels when the IoT device is operating in the first mode and the IoT device sends and receives data via second channels when the IoT device is operating in the second mode. The system instructs the IoT device to switch to the second mode in response to determining that the IoT device is capable of switching to the second mode and sends the firmware update to the IoT device while the IoT device is in the second mode. The system determines that the firmware update has been completed and instructs the IoT device to switch from the second mode to the first mode when the firmware update has been completed.