IoT Device Firmware Update Scheduling via Network Node Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing large fleets of IoT devices is complex, especially for remote devices, due to challenges in firmware updates, security vulnerabilities, and network load, as existing methods require significant resources and visibility into individual device connections.
Innovation Solution
A network operator controller method that receives a list of IoT devices scheduled for firmware updates, determines serving network nodes, caches update data, and schedules updates, allowing network nodes to manage and block vulnerable devices until they are updated, reducing network traffic and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional firmware update methods are used for large IoT device fleets, then device security can be maintained, but network load and management complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the firmware update process into multiple phases: identification of vulnerable devices, scheduling updates during appropriate time windows, distributing update data through network nodes, and coordinated installation. This segmentation reduces management complexity by breaking down the complex task of managing thousands of devices into manageable, organized steps that can be automated and monitored efficiently.
2Reliability
If firmware updates are performed on large IoT device fleets, then security vulnerabilities are reduced, but network traffic and load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first identifying which devices need updates and scheduling them during optimal time windows before actually performing the updates. The system pre-determines update schedules based on device vulnerability levels and network conditions, allowing updates to be performed efficiently without causing unnecessary network load during peak usage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing regular update cycles and time windows for firmware updates. Instead of attempting to update all devices simultaneously, the system performs updates in periodic batches during designated periods, reducing network load while ensuring all devices receive security updates at appropriate intervals.
3Ease of operation
If remote IoT devices are managed without direct access, then operational costs are reduced, but visibility into device connections and update status becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network nodes report back to the central management system about device connection status, update progress, and device health. This automated feedback loop provides continuous visibility into remote device states without requiring direct human intervention, allowing operators to monitor and manage fleets effectively while reducing operational costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of a network operator controller for managing a plurality of Internet of Things (IoT)-devices associated with an IoT device owner and connected to a wireless network. The method comprises receiving a list of IoT devices that are scheduled for a firmware update, wherein the list is indicative of respective update data and update procedure for each IoT device of the list; determining at least one network node serving a geographical area covering a respective location of each of the IoT devices of the list of devices; causing caching of the respective update data; determining an updating schedule indicative of when each IoT device is to receive its respective update data; and instructing the at least one network node to update the IoT devices with the cached respective update data according to the updating schedule and update procedure.