OTA Access Point Firmware Update for Multi-Hop Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-hop environments, the existing over-the-air (OTA) firmware update method experiences significant time delays when transmitting firmware data through relays, especially when dealing with large amounts of data and numerous connected nodes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed firmware upgrade apparatus and method introduce an OTA access point that directly uploads firmware data to nodes at a preset communication speed, allowing nodes to upload the data to relays, which then upload it to other relays or access points, thereby reducing the time required for firmware updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware data is transmitted through relays in a multi-hop environment, then the firmware can be updated in distributed networks, but the transmission time is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The access point pre-processes and prepares firmware data for transmission before the actual update process begins. The system预先 establishes communication channels and prepares data packets, so that when the update is initiated, transmission can proceed immediately without setup delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The firmware data transmission path is segmented into direct access point-to-node channels and relay-assisted channels. Nodes that can communicate directly with the access point receive firmware directly, while other nodes use relays, thereby parallelizing the transmission process and reducing overall time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If firmware data is transmitted through relays, then coverage is extended to remote nodes, but the download time for large firmware data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a new dimension of direct access point-to-node communication alongside the traditional multi-hop relay path. This creates a two-dimensional transmission architecture where data can flow through multiple paths simultaneously, effectively reducing download time while maintaining extended coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point acts as an intermediary that directly provides firmware data to eligible nodes, bypassing the relay chain for those nodes. This mediator role allows the system to optimize transmission paths dynamically based on node capabilities and network conditions.
3Quantity of substance
If many nodes are connected to a relay, then network capacity is increased, but the time to confirm successful transmission to all nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The large group of connected nodes is segmented into multiple smaller groups, each managed by a specific relay or directly by the access point. Transmission confirmation is performed independently for each subgroup, allowing parallel verification processes that reduce the total confirmation time compared to sequential verification of all nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where nodes immediately confirm receipt of firmware data to their respective relays or the access point. This real-time feedback allows the system to track transmission status dynamically and identify successful updates without waiting for all nodes to complete their processes sequentially.
Data Source
AI summary
A firmware upgrade apparatus and method are disclosed. A firmware upgrade apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention includes access points, a relay configured to upload firmware data to the access point, a node configured to upload the firmware data to the relay, and an over-the-air (OTA) access point configured to upload the firmware data to the node.