Software Component Update for IoT Systems

Frequent updates in IoT software are crucial for fixing security vulnerabilities, correcting bugs, and adding new features. However, for systems comprising geographically distributed devices, implementing updates is challenging. Such updates must be coordinated across multiple devices, automated without end-user involvement, adaptable to weak connectivity, and minimally disruptive to end users. In this paper we introduce an update method that addresses these challenges. Our approach utilizes a versioned, component-oriented software model for light-weight microservices, alongside a domain-specific language for specifying configurations, facilitating updates of individual components. We evaluate the effectiveness of this method within a Hospital-at-Home system, including servers, tablets for nurses and patients, and medical equipment located in patients’ homes. Our results demonstrate that this method offers substantial flexibility and significantly reduces total update time, switchover time, and network load compared to previous methods.