IoT Update Distribution via Clustered Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT devices often participate in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks due to their vulnerability, and periodic software updates are challenging to distribute efficiently, especially in networks with devices having intermittent and weak connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A computing device groups IoT devices into update clusters based on connectivity layout, divides update data into portions, and distributes these portions to selected redistribution devices, allowing devices to download and combine the necessary updates for efficient reassembly and implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If update data is distributed to all IoT devices individually from a central server, then update reliability is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases and update time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IoT device population into clusters based on connectivity characteristics, and segments update data into portions distributed to different redistribution devices within each cluster. This allows parallel distribution to multiple devices simultaneously, reducing overall update time while maintaining reliability through localized delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces redistribution devices as intermediaries between the central server and IoT devices. These intermediary devices receive update portions and locally distribute them to devices in their cluster, reducing direct server-device communication overhead and network bandwidth consumption while maintaining update reliability.
2Loss of energy
If update data is distributed through multiple redistribution devices, then network bandwidth consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes redistribution devices multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as regular IoT devices receiving updates and as distribution nodes forwarding updates to other devices. This universal functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated distribution infrastructure, managing complexity while achieving bandwidth efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates equipotential distribution by enabling any device in the network to potentially serve as a redistribution device based on its capabilities and position. This distributed architecture eliminates single points of failure and reduces network bandwidth consumption by allowing local peer-to-peer distribution rather than centralized broadcasting.
3Productivity
If devices are grouped into update clusters, then update efficiency is improved, but connectivity layout analysis complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of device organization from individual to clustered based on connectivity characteristics. By grouping devices with similar connectivity patterns together, the system improves update efficiency through localized distribution while managing complexity through automated clustering algorithms that adapt to network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic clustering where device groupings can change based on connectivity layout variations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal update efficiency as network conditions change, while the automated nature of the clustering process manages the complexity of ongoing cluster management.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a computing device groups a plurality of devices into update clusters based at least on their connectivity layout, and divides update data into a plurality of update portions, distributing the plurality of update portions to a plurality of selected redistribution devices in the particular cluster (each receiving one or more of the portions). The computing device notifies devices in the particular cluster (that can use the update data) of the plurality of selected redistribution devices along with which particular update portions are available from each of the plurality of selected redistribution devices. This therefore causes (or allows) the devices needing an update to i) download needed update portions of the plurality of update portions from the redistribution devices, ii) combine all of the plurality of update portions into the update data, and iii) perform an update using the combined update data.