Update Forwarder for Mobile App Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional method of downloading updates to mobile devices over wireless networks leads to bandwidth competition, longer download times, and potential performance reduction, as well as overloading of device management servers due to the simplicity of the process.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an 'update forwarder' function that receives updates via wired or short-haul wireless links, allowing for off-peak downloads and reducing the load on wireless networks by using existing devices like home PCs or wireless home gateways to deliver updates to mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If updates are downloaded directly to mobile devices over wireless networks, then the download process is simple and uses existing wireless infrastructure, but bandwidth demand on wireless networks increases and competes with application traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an update forwarder as an intermediary device between the device management server and the mobile device. This forwarder receives updates from the server via wired or short-haul wireless links and delivers them to mobile devices, thereby mediating the bandwidth demand and reducing direct competition on the wireless network for application traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The update distribution process is segmented into two stages: first, updates are downloaded from the device management server to the update forwarder; second, the forwarder distributes updates to multiple mobile devices. This segmentation separates the bulk data transfer from the final delivery, reducing the load on the wireless network during the critical application usage period.
2Productivity
If device management servers update multiple mobile devices simultaneously over wireless networks, then updates are delivered efficiently, but servers become overloaded during limited reachable time
Solution Approach 1:
The update forwarder performs preliminary actions by receiving and storing updates from the device management server before distributing them to mobile devices. This allows the server to prepare updates in advance during off-peak times when server load is lower, rather than attempting to serve multiple devices simultaneously during peak availability windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The update forwarder acts as a buffer and mediator between the server and multiple mobile devices. It decouples the server from direct simultaneous service of multiple devices, allowing the server to maintain lower load levels while still achieving efficient update delivery through the forwarder's distribution capabilities.
3Reliability
If updates are downloaded during mobile device availability windows, then devices can receive updates, but download times increase and performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The update forwarder performs preliminary download of updates from the server during off-peak times when the mobile device is unavailable or the network load is lower. This preliminary action allows the actual delivery to the mobile device to occur during its availability windows without causing delays, as the update data is already prepared and cached at the forwarder.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing of update operations based on mobile device availability status and network conditions. The update forwarder can schedule downloads during optimal times (when device is unavailable) and deliver updates when the device is ready, optimizing both delivery speed and device performance without fixed scheduling constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an “update forwarder” function to facilitate downloading applications to mobile devices. The update forwarder receives updates on its “network side” from one or more device management servers, stores the updates, and then delivers them from its “device side” to one or more mobile devices. By using wired or short-haul wireless links on both its network and device sides, the update forwarder can reduce demand for the precious bandwidth of a widespread wireless network. The update forwarder can receive downloads during off-peak times for the device management servers and at times when the mobile device is turned off or otherwise unavailable. Downloads can be scheduled to be delivered only when the mobile device is not otherwise in use. The update forwarder can be implemented with little cost as one function running on a device, such as a home PC or local server, that already serves other functions.