Static proxy

– from eLux RP 6 2204 –

If you want to update narrow-band connected devices, you might wish to use a proxy device to forward the firmware update. Proxy devices download the required software packages and distribute them to other devices.

The packages are kept locally in the RAM of the proxy device. Depending on the overall size of the packages defined in the image, 2 GB RAM or more are required.

For the proxy device, Squid is used as the proxy server software.

Squid supports the HTTPS protocol. To make the update process more secure, you may additionally use signatures for the image and software packages. For further information, see Firmware security through signatures.

The configuration in Scout includes three basic steps:

Creating an application definition for Squid

  1. Create a dedicated OU which will be configured for the proxy device.

  2. For the new OU, add a local application. On the Local tab, edit the following fields:

    Option Value
    Name of application Squid
    Local application Custom
    Parameter squid
    Hidden On
    Start automatically after 0 seconds On

  3. Move the proxy device into the OU and restart it.

The device receives the Squid application definition.

Setting up the proxy device

  1. Provide the proxy device with a firmware image including the Squid Update Proxy package. To do so, modify the relevant image by using ELIAS, and then update the device.

    The Dynamic Proxy update package must not be included.

  2. For the OU of the proxy device, open Device configuration > General and clear the Use parent option.

    Inheritance is disabled and the proxy OU can be configured individually.

  3. In Device configuration > Firmware, on the Proxy type list, select None.

  4. For the proxy device, open Device configuration > Network > LAN, and edit the LAN connection.
    In the Edit network profile dialog, select Use following IP address.
    Leave the Domain box empty and confirm with OK.

    The last obtained IP address is used as the static IP address by the proxy device.

Configuring devices for the proxy update

  1. For the OU or devices you want to receive their firmware updates through the proxy device, open the Device configuration dialog.

  2. On the Firmware tab, edit the following fields:

    Protocol HTTP
    Proxy type

    Static (Consumer)

    Provider <IP address of proxy device>:3128
    User and Password <no entry>

  3. Edit the further fields as usual, see Configuring firmware updates.

Once the modifications have become active, the relevant devices receive their firmware updates from the proxy device.