What is Firmware-Over-The-Air (FOTA)?
FOTA at a Glance
- Firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) allows IoT devices to receive firmware updates wirelessly, eliminating the need for manual servicing.
- It’s a key enabler for maintaining security, performance, and scalability across large IoT fleets, especially in remote or distributed deployments.
- With FOTA, businesses can deploy updates in real time, reduce operational costs, and ensure that every connected device stays current without disruption.
What is Firmware-Over-the-Air (FOTA)?
Firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) is a remote update technology that allows device firmware – the core software controlling hardware functions – to be updated wirelessly over a network connection. Instead of requiring manual updates through physical access, FOTA enables businesses and device manufacturers to push new firmware versions to deployed devices anywhere in the world.
For IoT deployments that involve thousands of distributed devices, FOTA provides a fast, secure, and cost-efficient way to keep devices current with the latest software, performance improvements, and security patches.
How FOTA Works
FOTA operates through mobile software management (MSM) frameworks built into IoT and cellular devices. Updates are typically delivered as compressed binary files through a secure connection and verified before installation. The general process includes:
- Update creation – Developers release a new firmware version.
- Notification and download – Devices receive an update notification and download the package.
- Verification – The device validates the update’s integrity and authenticity.
- Installation – The firmware is applied automatically, often in minutes, without interrupting critical device operations.
Depending on the file size and network conditions, a FOTA update can complete in 3–10 minutes – a fraction of the time required for manual servicing.
Why FOTA Matters for IoT
For IoT systems with distributed sensors, gateways, or smart devices, managing firmware manually is not scalable. FOTA allows mass updates to occur remotely and securely, ensuring:
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: No need for on-site technicians or device recalls.
- Improved Security: Critical patches can be deployed immediately to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Operational Continuity: Devices stay online during updates, minimizing downtime.
- Scalability: Ideal for fleets of thousands (or even millions) of connected devices.
- Testing Flexibility: Updates can be rolled out gradually to beta devices before full deployment.
FOTA in Action
A landmark example of FOTA’s impact came in 2016, when Tesla used FOTA to add self-parking capabilities to its vehicles. Without over-the-air updates, each car would have required a physical service visit or recall, an expensive and time-consuming process.
Similarly, in IoT environments such as smart agriculture, industrial monitoring, and connected infrastructure, FOTA allows organizations to push firmware changes to hundreds or thousands of remote devices without interrupting operations.
FOTA vs. Manual Firmware Updates
| Feature | FOTA (Over-the-Air) | Manual Updates |
| Delivery Method | Wireless, remote | Physical connection required |
| Time to Deploy | Minutes | Hours to days |
| Scalability | Thousands of devices simultaneously | One device at a time |
| Maintenance Cost | Low | High |
| Security Updates | Immediate, system-wide | Delayed, dependent on access |
How Soracom Supports FOTA
Soracom’s IoT connectivity and cloud integration tools make it easier to deploy and manage FOTA at scale. By combining secure cellular and LPWAN connectivity with Soracom services such as Soracom Krypton and Soracom Beam, device makers can authenticate, encrypt, and transmit firmware updates efficiently to distributed devices.
This allows IoT developers and operators to:
- Deliver secure, authenticated updates over any supported network.
- Automate rollouts and version control for large device fleets.
Maintain performance and compliance without physical intervention.