Wireless Network Software Update Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, existing software updating methods lead to a mix of old and new software versions among devices, requiring backwards compatibility and prolonged distribution times, making it inefficient to ensure all devices use the new software simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method where radio nodes in a wireless communication network receive a software-distribution package and send a timer frame to synchronize the execution of the new software across all nodes, ensuring all devices update at the same time, allowing for non-backwards compatible communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent point-to-point software delivery is used, then devices can update software independently at their own pace, but the network ends up with mixed old and new software versions requiring backwards compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having all devices download and store the new software version in advance before a predetermined update time. This allows devices to be ready to switch to the new version simultaneously, eliminating the need for backwards compatibility while maintaining independent update capability.
2Productivity
If new software is distributed immediately to all devices, then all devices can use the new software quickly, but high distribution load is generated on the network
Solution Approach 1:
The system distributes software updates in advance to all devices before a predetermined update time, allowing devices to store the new software locally. This spreads the distribution load over time rather than concentrating it, reducing peak network load while ensuring rapid simultaneous deployment when the update time arrives.
3Loss of energy
If devices update software at different times, then distribution load is reduced, but the update process is prolonged and requires backwards compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary action by distributing software in advance to all devices and coordinating a simultaneous update at a predetermined time. This approach reduces peak distribution load by spreading traffic over time while ensuring all devices update together, eliminating prolonged mixed-version operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary coordination mechanism (update coordinator and timer frames) that manages the update process. This intermediary coordinates between devices and the network, enabling synchronized updates that balance load distribution with simultaneous deployment, preventing both peak load and prolonged update periods.
4Adaptability or versatility
If all devices update software simultaneously, then backwards compatibility is not needed and update is efficient, but high distribution load occurs at update time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary software distribution to all devices before the predetermined update time, so the actual update event involves minimal data transfer. Devices already have the new software stored locally, eliminating peak distribution load at update time while enabling simultaneous deployment without backwards compatibility requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a wireless communication network including radio nodes, which include a first radio node and a second radio node. The nodes are configured to provide a bi-directional radio communication between each other. The nodes are configured to receive a software-distribution package. In addition, the first node sends to at least the second node a timer frame indicating when all nodes of the network start to execute the received package in order to update a software of the nodes.