Seeking advice on a robust firmware update mechanism for BLE boards via ESP32 Wi-Fi Mesh
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2025 10:46 am
I'm working on a project to replace our existing LAN-based system for our custom BLE boards. Currently, these boards are hardwired to a server for data exchange and firmware updates. My goal is to use ESP32 modules to create a Wi-Fi Mesh network to handle both data transmission and OTA firmware updates for the BLE boards.
I've made good progress so far. I have successfully set up the Wi-Fi Mesh and the data communication between the BLE boards and the ESP32s using UART.
For the firmware update part, my planned approach is as follows: The server will send the firmware file, encapsulated in mcumgr packets, via an MQTT broker. An ESP32 within the mesh will receive these packets and then transfer the firmware to the target BLE board through the UART connection.
Before I go too far down this path, I wanted to ask the community for their input. Is there a more standard, efficient, or reliable method for this specific use case? I'm open to suggestions on alternative protocols or architectures.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I've made good progress so far. I have successfully set up the Wi-Fi Mesh and the data communication between the BLE boards and the ESP32s using UART.
For the firmware update part, my planned approach is as follows: The server will send the firmware file, encapsulated in mcumgr packets, via an MQTT broker. An ESP32 within the mesh will receive these packets and then transfer the firmware to the target BLE board through the UART connection.
Before I go too far down this path, I wanted to ask the community for their input. Is there a more standard, efficient, or reliable method for this specific use case? I'm open to suggestions on alternative protocols or architectures.
Thanks in advance for your help!