Understanding BOTA – Bulk-Over-The-Air data transfer in wireless networks

The BOTA (Bulk-Over-The-Air) service is a robust UDP-based data transfer system built on the embeNET wireless communication protocol. Designed to transfer large amounts of data across wireless networks, BOTA facilitates communication between a central point (the border router, or BOTA Sender) and potentially multiple remote devices (known as BOTA Recipients). This system is particularly effective in applications that require transferring bulk data to many devices efficiently.

How BOTA works?

BOTA operates by utilizing a dedicated memory space where the bulk data is stored, referred to as bulk memory. The BOTA Sender accesses this bulk memory and also maintains a transfer space, a separate memory area for storing data transfer-related information. The sender communicates with BOTA Recipients via the embeNET wireless network, using the UDP transport protocol. Once the recipients receive the data, they store it in their local bulk memory.

Key features of the BOTA protocol

1. Efficient bulk transfer to multiple nodes
   BOTA’s primary function is to send large datasets from the border router to numerous remote nodes. The goal is to ensure that all nodes receive a complete, intact dataset that they can verify for integrity.
   
2. Parallel data transfer via multicast
   Instead of sending individual data packets to each node, BOTA takes advantage of the embeNET network’s ability to handle multicast traffic. This significantly reduces the load on the network compared to traditional unicast methods, enhancing efficiency.
   
3. Recipient call out and transfer acceptance
   The protocol incorporates a call out mechanism that identifies which nodes are capable of receiving the bulk data. Each node can either accept or reject the transfer, allowing only those that have accepted to participate in the data transmission.
   
4. Automatic removal of unreachable nodes
   If a node is unreachable, BOTA automatically detects and removes it from the process. This prevents stalled transfers caused by unreachable devices and allows the remaining nodes to receive the data without delays.
   
5. Continuous status monitoring
   The system provides continuous updates on the status of the bulk transfer to each node, enabling real-time monitoring of the data delivery process.
   

A quick tutorial of using BOTA

BOTA offers a straightforward interface for both BOTA Senders and BOTA Recipients. Developers can use the BOTA C API library, which is divided into two parts:

• BOTA sender API – this library allows developers to manage the data transfer process from the sender’s side.
  
• BOTA recipient API – this component handles the reception of data on the recipient side.
  

These APIs allow developers to integrate BOTA into their applications, enabling smooth data transfers across wireless networks.

Resume

BOTA provides a powerful solution for transferring large volumes of data across wireless networks using a reliable and efficient multicast system. Its ability to handle multiple recipients, automatically manage unreachable nodes, and provide continuous monitoring makes it an ideal choice for applications where bulk data transfer is critical. With its simple API and robust functionality, BOTA is well-suited for IoT systems and other applications that rely on efficient, large-scale data dissemination.