Managing Software Updates in Large-Scale Utility IoT Networks

Abstract

Utility-operated Internet of Things networks consist of large numbers of heterogeneous field devices with long service lifecycles. Coordinating software updates across such infrastructures is costly and error-prone. This paper reports on the deployment of a container-based device management platform supporting remote configuration, incremental upgrades, and rollback control. Update campaigns were executed in staged waves according to network topology and load conditions. Operational records show reduced failure rates and shorter maintenance windows after platform adoption. Experience suggests that disciplined update scheduling and monitoring mechanisms are more important than highly complex orchestration logic.