Frequently asked questions about OTA –product function-related

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1. How to upgrade device firmware?

2. There is no device in the FOTA device list. How to add a device?

3. How to perform SOTA function of NB?

4. Is General OTA able to upgrade MCU of NB device?

5. Does it support differential upgrade?

6. What is the rough process for upgrading SOTA of NB?

7. What is the process for upgrading general OTA?

8. What is the relationship between the version reported at device side and the version of firmware of web side?

9. Does NB module support general OTA?

10. What is the difference between FOTA and SOTA?

1. How to upgrade device firmware?

A: Upload firmware-activate firmware-receive firmware of device side.

2. There is no device in the FOTA device list. How to add a device?

A: When the module model is selected for the new group in FOTA, it must be consistent with that of your device. Thus, the device will be added in the FOTA device list. The device is displayed based on the module model and then added.

3. How to perform SOTA function of NB?

A: The SOTA of NB is realized based on NB module. Firstly, confirm if it is supported by current module version. If the module supports SOTA upgrade, the data may be transmitted to the module and finally to MCU referring to the AT commands related to SOTA and platform exchange.

4. Is General OTA able to upgrade MCU of NB device?

A: Yes, it is possible. Please refer to http://open.iot.10086.cn/doc/ota/book/manual/ota_develop_document.html。 for details.

5. Does it support differential upgrade?

A: Yes, it is possible. For example, for NB module of China Mobile Online Crowdsourcing M5310A, consult the module manufacturer to find proper differential package, and then the differential package can be issued to the module. The processing is generally completed in the module.

6. What is the rough process for upgrading SOTA of NB?

A: The upgrade process is generally as below:

• After uplink data of device, the platform will issue a command to operate the request message and read MCU-related information (available memory, current power, and version number).
• MCU issues AT command, makes response to the platform via the module, download firmware package, and erase flash for upgrading;
• Current version will be returned after completion. If the version returned after upgrading is the same as that of target task of the upgrade task, then the upgrade is completed. SOTA-related commands of the module used shall be referred for specific AT commands.

7.What is the process for upgrading general OTA?？

A:

• Web side: Firstly, upload firmware at web side and create upgrade task.
• Device side: ① Report current firmware version number of the device; ② Detect device upgrade task; ③ Verify token; ④ Download firmware; ⑤ Report progress; ⑥ Report status.

8.What is the relationship between the version reported at device side and the version of firmware of web side?

A: The version reported at device side is current firmware version of the device while the version of web side is the version of the firmware uploaded on the web. Only when the two versions are different, the device can be selected for upgrade. If the version of the firmware reported and that of web side are the same, the device cannot be upgraded.

9.Does NB module support general OTA?

A: If the NB module of the model supports the access to network via http, then it supports the operation.

10.What is the difference between FOTA and SOTA?

A: FOTA is for upgrade of modules while SOTA is for upgrade of MCU.