Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) update delivers firmware updates to devices via a wireless internet connection rather than through a physical connection such as a computer or USB. FOTA updates make it easier for manufacturers to distribute critical security patches and feature enhancements to a wide range of devices without requiring user intervention beyond accepting the update.
What is firmware?
Firmware is a type of computer software that exists directly on a device’s hardware. It provides low-level control for a device’s specific hardware and can be thought of as the operating system for its hardware components, ensuring they operate correctly.
Firmware updates are crucial because they ensure that the hardware continues to operate efficiently and securely while adapting to new features and threats. However, because they are installed directly on hardware, firmware updates can be more complex to implement. Unlike regular software, which can often be easily reinstalled or rolled back, a failed firmware update can potentially “brick” the device, rendering it unusable.
How do FOTA updates work?
1. Distribution
The latest firmware version is distributed wirelessly from the manufacturer to the device. This distribution can occur over mobile networks, Wi-Fi, or other wireless technology.
2. Notification
Once the update is available, the device typically receives a notification prompting the user to download and install the update.
3. Download
The device downloads the firmware update package. The downloaded firmware package is typically encrypted to prevent tampering and is verified against a digital signature to ensure its integrity before installation.
4. Installation
After downloading, the device installs the firmware update. During the installation phase, the device enters recovery mode and installs the new firmware. This recovery mode minimizes the risk of errors and ensures that the device can revert to the previous firmware if something goes wrong during the update. Users are usually prompted to ensure their battery is sufficiently charged or to plug in their device during this process to avoid interruptions that could lead to a bricked device. This process often requires a reboot to ensure the new firmware is properly installed.
What are the benefits of FOTA updates?
FOTA updates offer several advantages over traditional methods of firmware updating, which often require physical connectivity to a computer.
-
Convenience
Users can update their devices without needing to connect them to a computer, USB or service center.
-
Optimized performance
Because of how easy it is to deploy FOTA updates, manufacturers can quickly distribute updates to fix bugs, enhance performance, and add new features.
-
Enhanced security
FOTA updates allow for more frequent updates, which ensure mobile devices remain up-to-date and security vulnerabilities are patched out as soon as possible, protecting devices from potential threats.
Managing FOTA updates with MDM tools
FOTA updates are crucial for maintaining and improving the functionality and security of mobile devices. They ensure that users can keep their devices up-to-date with the latest firmware innovations, improvements, and security patches.
A mobile device management (MDM) solution provides IT administrators with tools to manage all the mobile devices in their IT environment remotely. One key function of MDM is managing the deployment of FOTA updates across all managed devices. MDMs can ensure that corporate-issued and BYOD devices comply with corporate policies and are equipped with the latest updates.
