IoT Device Software Update via Adjacent Peer Download
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized software updates for IoT devices are costly and inefficient due to limited connectivity between IoT devices and servers, which hinders convenient software updates.
Innovation Solution
A software updating system that allows IoT devices to download updates from adjacent devices within the same broadcast area, utilizing a server to control and facilitate this process through encryption and communication modules, reducing the need for constant server connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized software updates are implemented using multiple servers, then software update service is provided, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent IoT devices serve each other for software updates. The broadcasting device transmits software updates to neighboring devices without requiring centralized server intervention, enabling self-service update propagation through the network
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized update system is segmented into distributed peer-to-peer updates. Each IoT device can act as both an updater and an update receiver, dividing the update distribution function across multiple nodes rather than relying on centralized servers
2Use of energy by moving object
If IoT devices are connected in mesh/tree form for low energy consumption, then energy cost is reduced, but connectivity with server is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The update transmission moves from a vertical server-centric dimension to a horizontal peer-to-peer dimension. Devices communicate through broadcast channels within their local area, adding a spatial dimension to update distribution that doesn't require constant server connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
Software updates are cached in advance in the storage units of adjacent devices. When a device needs an update, it can retrieve the pre-cached update from a neighboring device's storage unit, eliminating the need for real-time server connection during the actual update installation
3Use of energy by moving object
If IoT devices update software without constant server connection, then energy consumption is reduced, but update reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The server receives update status information from IoT devices and provides guidance information for subsequent updates. This feedback loop ensures that even with distributed updates, the server can monitor and guide the update process to maintain reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Adjacent devices act as intermediaries for software update transmission. The broadcasting device receives updates from the server and re-broadcasts them to neighboring devices, creating a trusted intermediary chain that maintains update integrity without requiring direct constant server connection
Data Source
AI summary
A software updating method is applied in a device governing an internet of things (IoT). A public key of a server and software updating information of an adjacent device is broadcast as control information by the server, the IoT device encrypts the software updating information according to the public key of the adjacent device, sends the encrypted software updating information to the adjacent device, and downloads software updating information from the adjacent device. When the control information includes address for storing the software in the server and the software updating information of the adjacent device, the IoT device downloads the software corresponding to the software updating information from the adjacent device.