Decentralized software distribution for SDR terminals

This article describes a novel approach to downloading software in mobile networks. The motivation for a decentralized approach is to cut down the overall download time for all relevant terminals, thereby considering not just over-the-air distribution of software. This work is performed under the European Research project Transparently Reconfigurable Ubiquitous Terminal (IST-TRUST). In particular, we consider terminal-to-terminal upgrades, which must be realized in ad hoc networks or HIPERLAN/2, where a direct mode between terminals can be established. The concept can also be contemplated for base-station-centric networks. For a client-to-client upgrade new security problems are to be resolved, and a suitable security concept is described here. The security concept is independent of the network; that is, even in fixed networks a similar concept can be conceived. Basically, the decentralized concept is not restricted to mobile networks, but the procedures described are mobile-centric.