Over-the-air update

An over-the-air update is a software update that is carried out via a radio interface (typically WLAN or cellular network ). Over-the-air updates are mainly used for smartphones and similar mobile devices and use the devices' existing internet connection .

description

While the classic over-the-air (OTA) may only need to adjust settings for individual services such as e-mail , WAP , i-mode or MMS , firmware over-the-air (FOTA) is that fresh installation of the system software ( firmware ) on the end device. In contrast to updating the device software via a PC, FOTA only transfers a "Delta Pack" to the device. To put it simply, this firmware package only contains the changes from the installed version to the target version. The FOTA client on the device generates the target version from this and programs it in the non-volatile device memory ("flashing"). This technology can drastically reduce the amount of data on the air interface . The technology is protected by numerous patents.

Devices that support this feature are called "FOTA-compatible". Various standards have already been agreed for FOTA, including OMA-DM from the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA).

In order to be able to use FOTA, this standard must be supported by the handset and the firmware that has already been installed. At least the receipt of the new firmware and the subsequent installation must be able to run without restricting the functionality of the handset or changing settings (contacts, call lists, etc.). Support from the mobile network operator ( MNO - Mobile Network Operator) is not necessary.

After calling up a function called "update service", for example, the new firmware is transferred via the air interface and then installed. It may be necessary to restart the handset or re-register the SIM card .

FOTA is a modification of Over-the-Air Programming (OTA), Over-the-Air Service Provisioning (OTASP), Over-the-Air Provisioning (OTAP) or Over-the-Air Parameter Administration (OTAPA)

Bitfone Corporation as a FOTA pioneer is the holder of the rights to several important patents relating to FOTA (USA patents: 6,785,707 / 6,832,373 / 6,941,453 / 6,978,453 / 6,996,818 / 7,047,448 / 7,082,549 - Japan patents: 0506785).

Products

There are a number of products that enable remote management of end devices via the OMA-DM protocol, for example to implement FOTA. There are also first products, such as those from ProSyst, which combine the function of an OMA-DM server with the possibilities of OSGi and TR-069 . OSGi can, for example, serve as a service-oriented architecture (SOA), which forms the framework on the end device, on which an OMA DM client itself and other - possibly chargeable - (value-added) services can be dynamically installed and administered. This is particularly interesting if incremental updates of the device software should be possible, or if the remote maintenance options of OMA DM are not sufficient.

For example, cell phones can be equipped with FOTA functionality. The Nokia N73 has FOTA from firmware version 4. Modern mobile device operating systems such as Android and iOS have the FOTA function built in as standard.

Some cars also support over-the-air updates. Tesla distributed over 120 updates in 2017 and 2018 and some models from BMW and Jaguar can also get new firmware without visiting the workshop (as of 2020).

criticism

Over-the-air updates make it possible, at least in theory, to install software with undesirable features (e.g. eavesdropping on the phone owner). Software packages are usually digitally signed by the manufacturer in order to be accepted by the device. Malicious software can therefore only be created by someone who has the appropriate secret key.

Web links

• Open Mobile Alliance , OTA standards group (English)
• Introduction to OTA Application Provisioning for Java, from Sun
• Firmware Over The Air - What is behind , an explanation of the FoTA feature with focus on IoT

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Tesla Model 3: Over 120 software updates in two years. Retrieved February 13, 2020 . 
2. ↑ Archive link ( Memento of the original from October 9, 2007 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.