To put it simply, Over-The-Air (OTA) refers to wirelessly transmitting data to update software or firmware on a device at a distance. Over-the-air updates eliminate the need for consumers to visit a service center for software or data updates physically.
History of OTA:
When the need arose to prepare certain Indians for commissioned posts in the Army during World War II, the Officer Training Academy was established. In India, there were seven different Officers' Training Schools set up between 1942 and 1945. These, however, were closed down after the War.
Two Officers' Training Schools, one in Madras and the other in Poona, were built in January 1963 to supply the Indian Army with Emergency Commissioned Officers in the wake of the Chinese Aggression in October 1962. On May 9, 1964, the Poona School was closed, although the Madras School continued operations.
The OTA architecture: 6 components:
There are several necessary parts for OTA technology implementation.
- The ability to make requests from a backend system.
- The SIM card requires an OTA Gateway to translate the requests into an understandable format.
- You'll need a short message service center (SMSC) to transmit requests via a wireless network.
- Currently, the SMS bearer is used to transport requests.
- The SIM card can only process requests sent from compatible mobile devices.
- A SIM card capable of receiving and carrying out the command.
Rear-End Processor:
A customer service operator, billing system, content supplier, or subscriber web interface are all examples of backend systems. There needs to be a mobile network connection established between the provisioning system and the system (per LAN or via the Internet).
The information required to fulfil a service request includes the requested service, the subscriber's contact information, and any relevant data. The backend system will contact the OTA gateway to seek the required assistance.
Over-The-Air Gateway:
Service-Requests specifying which specific card should be updated, activated, or modified are sent to the OTA Gateway using the Gateway API. The OTA Gateway contains a card database that lists, for each SIM card, its corresponding IMSI, MSISDN, and SIM vendor (Thales, etc.).
Next, the service request must be converted into a format that the SIM card of the intended recipient can read. The OTA Gateway is equipped with a library containing the proper form for each SIM card brand. After determining which card, the message is intended for, the OTA Gateway renders it in the appropriate format.
The Service Request triggers the OTA Gateway to send out as many SMS as necessary to complete the request. This procedure phase is under the OTA Gateway's responsibility for safety and reliability.
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SMSC:
Text message (SMS) exchange hub between a message management system (OTA Gateway) and a mobile network. A text message from a mobile phone can only be 160 characters long. If the mobile phone is turned off or leaves the network's service area, the message is saved and made available to the user as soon as the device is turned back on or reconnects to the network.
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SMS Method:
The SMS channel is used for text message exchange between the SIM card (or eSIM) and the OTA Gateway.
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Mobile phone:
A mobile phone has all the necessary components to support either a subset or the full set of services offered by the global system for mobile communications (GSM). The mobile device must be compatible with the Sim Tool Kit to use over-the-air services.
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Card SIM:
Smart cards are primarily employed in GSM standards as a Subscriber Identification Module due to their secure user authentication (SIM cards). The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is a key part of the GSM market that enables new services. Recently introduced features of SIM cards include the ability to send pre-formatted short messages (SMS) to query a database or make secure transactions, new menu options, pre-recorded numbers for rapid dialing, and more.
Working Principle of OTA?
Using OTA, a Network Operator can promptly and affordably roll out new SIM services to customers or update the information stored on SIM cards already in use. When using OTA, the SIM card acts as the client, while the operator's backend system (customer service, billing system, application server) serves as the server. Users can receive personalized operator messages, download and activate additional services directly from their phone, and much more without making another trip to a store.
What Are the Advantages of Over-The-Air Updates?
As you have seen, over-the-air updates eliminate the need to physically connect your device to a computer during the upgrade process. In addition to the benefits for end users, manufacturers can increase the useful life of their products by constantly improving and updating them via over-the-air upgrades. Thus, shoppers may expect their purchases to last even longer.
A further benefit of receiving updates wirelessly is reduced downtime. You can update your smart plug without having to get under the desk. A simple touch on your mobile device is all that's needed.
- Improving performance by installing new software on a device.
- Spend less on update management thanks to access from a distant server.
- The fixing of security flaws.
- They are enhancing the functionality of users' devices and SIM cards while such cards remain in their possession.
- Enabling businesses to improve goods' scalability to add new features after release.
- Incorporating cutting-edge safety measures with SIM cards via regular updates
- Management system and cellular network communication occur via a short message service center (SMSC).
- A mobile phone may receive or send a message up to 160 characters in length, including spaces.
Functions of OTA?
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Electronics with a mobile format:
New software, firmware, and other data are sent directly to mobile devices, especially smartphones, from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) via over-the-air (OTA) updates. New subscriber identity module (SIM) cards can also be initialized and configured via over-the-air updates.
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Television and radio transmissions:
Radio and television transmissions and receptions can also be done OTA. Unlike the channels provided by cable companies via fibre optics or DSL, these broadcasts are digital signals that are often picked up by antennas.
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The rest of the Internet of Things:
Over-the-air (OTA) updates are growing in popularity as more gadgets are made to connect to the Internet and other data transmission sources. Technologies like driverless vehicles and smart home gadgets are instances of this.