Historically, managing firmware updates has been a fragmented process for device manufacturers (OEMs). Airwave aims to unify that process by allowing over-the-air (OTA) updates in a streamlined and observable manner.
Firmware updates follow an approval process. Registered devices receive the firmware once the firmware is approved.
Airwave is available for OEMs and other customers that require OTA updates. Request access on our website.
Sections of the Airwave Console
Dashboard
View total devices, total firmware updates, and hardware models from the dashboard. You’ll also see a list of recently registered devices.
Devices in Airwave
In Esper Airwave, devices are targets for firmware updates. Devices may be identified via a serial number or other unique identifier. The Esper team works with the OEM to install the necessary software on the device.
Hardware in Airwave
The Hardware list is pre-populated with available hardware models. Only devices that match the hardware models can be added to the Airwave console. To add a new hardware model, contact your Esper.
Firmware in Airwave
When Firmware is uploaded to Airwave, a hardware model is selected. Firmware can be uploaded as full or delta builds. Metadata is extracted automatically.
Users
The user management section of Airwave. Airwave accounts are separate from Esper Deploy accounts. The two consoles are not connected: logging in to one does not grant access to the other. If your organization uses both products, you'll need a separate account for each console.
Deploying Firmware to Devices
There is no explicit Deploy function in Airwave. If a firmware is approved, the corresponding hardware models will receive it the next they check in with the Airwave console.
Devices must be pre-registered in Airwave and have the Esper Airwave Agent installed. The Esper Airwave Agent may be installed via the OEM.
Devices pull approved Firmware releases. Deployment status may be observed via the Dashboard.
Approving Firmware Updates
To get started with firmware updates, the following are needed:
- At least one target hardware device
- At least one firmware update
Step 1: Adding Devices to Airwave
To add a device to the Airwave console, go to Devices and click on Pre-Register.
Select the Hardware number and add a serial number.
Then press Pre-Register.
The device will be added to the Devices list.
After successful registration, a device is eligible for Firmware deployment.
Device details will populate automatically:
- Serial Number: The device's serial number.
- State: See a list of states in the glossary.
- Build Fingerprint: the unique build fingerprint formatted by in the format: $(BRAND)/$(PRODUCT)/$(DEVICE)/$(BOARD):$(VERSION.RELEASE)/$(ID)/$(VERSION.INCREMENTAL):$(TYPE)/$(TAGS)
- Android Version: the Android version.
- Agent Version: the agent version on the device (if it exists).
- Registered On: The date and time the device was registered.
- Last Update: The date and time when the device last reported a change in its state. Updates only when the device reports a state change.
Step 2: Adding Firmware
To add firmware to Airwave, go to Firmware, and click on Upload Firmware.
Add the firmware and press Upload Firmware.
Choose the:
- Hardware Model: The device’s hardware model.
- Build Type: Choose from full build or delta build.
- Full: A complete OS image. Used for new hardware models or major OS upgrades.
- Delta: Incremental updates from a specific, previous build. Select the base firmware the delta is built from.
Then upload the:
- Build Properties file: the build.prop file compressed as .zip file. Max: 10 GB
- Firmware file: .zip file
If the upload is interrupted, it may resume.
After upload, the firmware will appear in the Firmware list. You may see it in the Processing state for some time.
Approving and Deploying Firmware
After successful upload, a firmware release can be approved.
Click on the Edit (pencil) icon to edit the build.
Then press Save Changes.
The firmware will update with the appropriate tags and release notes.
If a firmware was approved, devices will begin pulling the firmware update the next time they check in with the Airwave console.
Using the Dashboard
Use the Dashboard to track the progress of registrations and firmware deployments.
Hover over a section of a graph to see more details.
Click on that section to see a filtered view of the registration or firmware.
Airwave brings firmware deployment and device observability into a single, approval-driven workflow. To learn more or get started, contact your Esper representative.