Selective Firmware Update Polling for Network Congestion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current firmware update mechanisms for mobile telecommunications devices, such as Push, Poll, and Pull, lead to network congestion and inefficiencies, including unnecessary traffic and the need for multiple follow-up updates, especially in areas with low coverage, and rely on user diligence for critical updates.

Innovation Solution

A telecommunications device is configured to selectively poll the cellular network only upon receiving a firmware update notification, deactivate polling upon successful download, and offload communications to a wireless point-to-point network, reducing network congestion and overhead by scheduling updates during off-peak times and using a network firmware update manager to manage notifications and downloads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices periodically poll the network for firmware updates, then updates can be delivered reliably, but network congestion and unnecessary traffic increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirmware update deliveryVSAvoidnetwork traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements selective periodic polling where devices only poll the network when specific conditions are met (e.g., when connected to Wi-Fi, during off-peak hours, or when update notifications are received). This transforms continuous periodic polling into conditional periodic action, maintaining update reliability while dramatically reducing unnecessary network traffic during periods when updates are unlikely to be available or when alternative networks are available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If push-server schedules multiple follow-up updates for devices in low coverage zones, then update delivery improves, but network overhead and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate delivery to low coverage devicesVSAvoidpush-server scheduling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables devices to proactively check for firmware updates before attempting downloads, and to selectively poll only when conditions are favorable. This preliminary action allows devices to avoid unnecessary polling attempts in advance, reducing the need for complex push-server rescheduling logic for low coverage zones while maintaining reliable update delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If users manually initiate firmware downloads, then network traffic is minimized, but critical security updates may not be applied timely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork trafficVSAvoidtimely delivery of critical updates
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated system where devices autonomously monitor for firmware updates, evaluate polling conditions, and initiate downloads when appropriate. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user intervention while maintaining control over network traffic, ensuring critical security updates are applied timely without generating unnecessary network congestion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9148744B2Network data optimization
Publication Date: 2015.09.29 T MOBILE US INC
  • US9148744B2 patent drawing
  • US9148744B2 patent drawing
  • US9148744B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for alleviating network congestion are described. A telecommunications device may be configured to selectively poll a cellular telecommunications network. The telecommunications device may be configured such that polling of the cellular telecommunications device may be activated and deactivated. The telecommunications device may be configured to poll in response to receiving a notification that a firmware update is available and may be configured to deactivate polling upon successful downloading of the firmware update.