Firmware update

The Aliro Access Control Application supports field firmware update over Bluetooth LE Simple Management Protocol (SMP) (DFU over Bluetooth LE SMP). SMP DFU is enabled by default. Set CONFIG_DOOR_LOCK_DFU_SMP_SERVICE=n to disable it.

For build variants and flashing instructions, see Application guide.

DFU over Bluetooth LE SMP

The Aliro Access Control Application supports field firmware updates over Bluetooth LE using the SMP protocol.

See Device Firmware Update over SMP for transport details and DFU SMP service for the reusable SMP DFU service.

Prerequisites

Before starting the DFU update process, ensure that:

  • SMP DFU is enabled in your build (CONFIG_DOOR_LOCK_DFU_SMP_SERVICE=y, the default).

  • You have built the new application with a higher version number than the one currently running on the device. Set the version in the application VERSION file before building.

  • You have the firmware update image from the build directory (see Output build files in the nRF Connect SDK documentation).

Enabling Bluetooth LE SMP advertising

SMP advertising is not started automatically after boot. Press Button 1 to toggle it.

Alternatively, you can use the shell commands:

uart:~$ dfu_smp on
uart:~$ dfu_smp off

Updating firmware

Set the application version in the applications/aliro-access-control-app/VERSION file before building the update image.

Upload the new firmware image to the device using one of the following methods:

Use nRF Connect Device Manager on a smartphone or tablet.

  1. Build the update image and locate build/dfu_application.zip in the build directory.

  2. Enable SMP advertising on the device (see above).

  3. Open nRF Connect Device Manager, scan for the device, and connect.

  4. Start the firmware update and select dfu_application.zip.

  5. Wait for the upload to finish; the device reboots with the new image.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, see the Nordic Developer Academy course DFU over Bluetooth LE using device manager app.