TR-069 FOTA Platform for Multi-Device Firmware Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack a platform for managing Over-The-Air (OTA) firmware upgrades for diverse devices using the TR-069 protocol, which is not designed for mobile devices, and do not support consumer participation in firmware updates.
Innovation Solution
A platform that provides an interoperable firmware over-the-air (FOTA) interface using the TR-069 protocol to establish firmware update sessions, receive data model parameters, and provision firmware images to client devices, enabling firmware upgrades across various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual re-programming is used for firmware updates, then device manufacturers can maintain control over firmware, but the process becomes time-consuming and cost-ineffective for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated firmware updates where the ACS automatically discovers devices, manages firmware images, and performs updates without manual intervention. The TR-069 protocol allows devices to self-report their firmware status and receive updates autonomously, eliminating the need for manual re-programming while maintaining manufacturer control through centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The Auto Configuration Server (ACS) acts as an intermediary between device manufacturers and end-user devices. It receives firmware images from manufacturers, manages the firmware image repository, and automatically distributes updates to TR-069 capable devices, thereby improving update efficiency while maintaining control through a centralized management platform.
2Ease of operation
If OMA DM protocol is used for firmware management, then mobile devices can receive FOTA updates, but the solution is restricted to OMA-DM devices and lacks versatility for other device types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal FOTA solution based on TR-069 protocol that can manage firmware updates across multiple device types including CPE, set-top boxes, and other broadband equipment. The ACS provides a unified management platform that adapts to different device categories through TR-069 data models, eliminating the need for device-specific management systems and enabling broad compatibility while maintaining ease of FOTA operation.
3Extent of automation
If TR-069 protocol is used for remote device management, then automated configuration and centralized management are achieved, but the protocol lacks native support for FOTA services and consumer participation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the ACS with TR-069 protocol support and firmware image repository before FOTA operations begin. The ACS is pre-loaded with device profiles, firmware images, and update policies, enabling it to automatically discover devices, assess their firmware status, and execute updates without requiring additional configuration or manual intervention during the actual update process.
Solution Approach 2:
The ACS serves as an intermediary that bridges TR-069 protocol capabilities with FOTA service requirements. It translates TR-069 device management functions into FOTA-specific operations, enabling automated firmware updates and consumer participation through a unified interface that leverages the existing TR-069 infrastructure while adding FOTA functionality.
4Reliability
If device manufacturers manage firmware on their own servers, then they maintain full control over firmware updates, but there is no platform for implementing firmware upgrades for varied types of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the firmware management capabilities of multiple device manufacturers into a single centralized ACS platform. The ACS consolidates firmware image repositories, device management functions, and update distribution operations into one unified system that can handle diverse device types through TR-069 protocol adaptation, thereby maintaining manufacturer control while achieving multi-device support.
Solution Approach 2:
The ACS implements a universal firmware management platform that can handle different device categories (CPE, set-top boxes, broadband equipment) through a single interface. It uses TR-069 data models and protocol adaptations to provide multi-functional support across device types while maintaining centralized control over firmware updates, eliminating the need for separate manufacturer-specific servers.
Data Source
AI summary
A firmware over-the-air (FOTA) update is provided to a client device. An interoperable firmware over-the-air (FOTA) interface configured to use TR-069 protocol is provisioned. A firmware update session with a client device is established at a server using the interoperable FOTA interface. Data model parameters of the client device using the TR-069 protocol are received at the server. A firmware image is provisioned by the server to the client device based on the data model parameters using the TR-069 protocol.