SECMP0007 Firmware updates to IHDs and PPMIDs

The Proposer of this modification seeks to address the issue of the lack of capability to update firmware Over-The-Air (OTA) for mandated Home Area Network (HAN) Devices via the Data Communications Company’s (DCC’s) infrastructure. The Smart Metering Implementation Programme (SMIP) technical specifications currently capture OTA firmware updates via the DCC to the Communications Hub, Electricity Smart Metering Equipment (ESME) and Gas Smart Metering Equipment (GSME) only. Requirements for OTA firmware updates to mandated HAN devices are not captured.

Partly due to the high costs as well as the complexity of the proposed solution, the Working Group agreed that in order to progress the modification, they would seek a combination of the two solutions given in the DCC Preliminary Assessment. The DCC suggested the requirements in Option 1 could be constrained to PPMIDs in order to explore cost savings, and that IHDs could be left out of the solution. The Working Group believed that the vast majority of IHDs in the field today were actually PPMIDs with IHD capability.

As a result, the Working Group agreed to progress with a combination of the two solutions:
1. Updating firmware over-the-air (OTA) for PPMIDs via Zigbee (Option 1)
2. Updating firmware OTA for HCALCS via GBCS Critical Commands (Option 2)

Supplier Parties

Other SEC Parties

IHD, PPMID and HCALCS manufacturers

The DCC