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Firmware Notification. Authors:. Date: 2010-02-12. Abstract. Recommendation for using a new frames exchange, WNM-Management Notification Request and Response frames to announce and acknowledge the availability of new access point firmware. Problem Statement.
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Firmware Notification Authors: Date: 2010-02-12 S. Hodroj (T-Mobile USA)
Abstract Recommendation for using a new frames exchange, WNM-Management Notification Request and Response frames to announce and acknowledge the availability of new access point firmware. S. Hodroj (T-Mobile USA)
Problem Statement • AP firmware upgrade notification doesn’t exist today for end users in home environments • Currently most home users manage AP FW upgrade through AP web GUI or by calling vendor/ operator customer care for help • Many APs don’t have an LCD screen like other consumer devices to get firmware updates notifications • Service providers usually notify the end users using SMS, E-mail, or the service monthly statement when a new FW is available for download • Interoperability (between AP & STA) challenges & dependency occurs when using higher layer protocol for notification • (Ex: UPnP is not supported on all types of STAs) S. Hodroj (T-Mobile USA)
Recommendation • Firmware Check (Out of scope) • AP Device checks for new FW periodically through a backend management server • AP Device determines that a new FW image needs to be installed • Firmware Announcement • AP notifies an associated STA that “a new AP FW is available” through the WNM-Management Notification Request frame • A new management notification request frame type is defined (New FW available) to announce this notification • The new management notification request frame type includes three sub elements (AP Descriptor, existing FW version, New FW version) S. Hodroj (T-Mobile USA)
Firmware update notification 4a 4b 1 2 WNM-Management Notification Response frame • Implications: • User doesn’t have to login to the AP device web GUI / check for new FW. • User is notified through the STA device whenever a new FW is available STAs with 802.11v AP with 802.11v New FW available Management Notification frame 5 3 Device checks for new FW Image WNM-Management Notification Request frame STAs associates with the AP Internet New FW available FW server Device determines a new FW image is available New FW available Out of scope In scope STA notify the end user through a pop-up message S. Hodroj (T-Mobile USA)