Learn These 3 Methods to Implement OTA in IoT Devices

What do you do when you have 1000s of smart devices active on the field and you need to update all of them without taking back to R&D center? this is what OTA can help you to achieve with wireless updates.

Here are 3 ways to implement OTA in IoT devices :

1. Direct to Cloud (Edge-to-Cloud)
2. Peer-to-Peer (Edge-to-Gateway-to-Cloud)
3. Gateway Mediator (Gateway-to-Cloud)

Let's understand each way with details:

Direct to Cloud (Edge-to-Cloud)

In the Direct to Cloud architecture, also referred to as Edge-to-Cloud (E2C), IoT devices connect directly to a cloud server to receive updates. This method is straightforward and allows each device to download updates independently.

Step 1: Prepare the Update

• Create the new software or firmware.
• Package it securely (e.g., as a compressed file).

Step 2: Upload to Cloud

• Use a cloud service (like AWS or Azure) to upload the update package.

Step 3: Notify Devices

• Send a message from the cloud to each device informing them of the update.

Step 4: Download Update

• Each device connects to the cloud and downloads the update.

Step 5: Install Update

• Devices validate and install the update, ensuring it works correctly.

Peer-to-Peer (Edge-to-Gateway-to-Cloud) 

The Peer-to-Peer architecture, or Edge-to-Gateway-to-Cloud (E2G2C), involves a local gateway that manages multiple connected devices. The gateway downloads updates from the cloud and distributes them to the edge devices.

Step 1: Set Up Gateway

• Install a local gateway that can communicate with both cloud and edge devices.

Step 2: Prepare Update

• Create and package the new software or firmware as before.

Step 3: Upload to Cloud

• Upload the update package to the cloud server.

Step 4: Gateway Downloads Update

• The gateway checks for updates and downloads them from the cloud.

Step 5: Distribute Updates to Devices

• The gateway sends the update package to each connected device.

Step 6: Install Update on Devices

• Each device installs the update after validating it.

Gateway Mediator (Gateway-to-Cloud)

This method involves a central gateway that receives updates from the cloud but does not directly update connected devices. Instead, it manages communications and data transmission.

Step 1: Set Up the Gateway

• Install a central gateway that will manage communications between devices and the cloud.

Step 2: Prepare the Update

• Create and package the new firmware as before.

Step 3: Upload to the Cloud

• Upload the update package to a secure cloud server.

Step 4: Gateway Receives Updates

• The gateway checks for new updates from the cloud and downloads them.

Step 5: Manage Device Updates

• The gateway communicates with connected devices about when they need to update.

Step 6: Install the Update on Devices

• Devices receive instructions from the gateway on how to download and install their specific updates.

OTA (Over-the-Air) updates have become an essential component in the management and evolution of connected devices. They enable seamless deployment of software patches, performance improvements, and new features without requiring physical intervention, ensuring that IoT devices, smartphones, and other embedded systems stay secure and up-to-date. By leveraging OTA updates, businesses can enhance user experience, reduce maintenance costs, and respond swiftly to emerging threats or technological advancements.