nRF9151 - Is it possible to change firmware without a PC?

[Mich@l]

Hello,
I’ve been exploring DECT NR+ on the nRF9151-DK using the DECT modem firmware. As it was already mentioned in multiple threads/other sources, there is no GNSS or LTE functionality on the DECT NR+ firmware. Having to synchronize time somehow, I’ve been wondering, is it possible to change the firmware of the modem during the operation? In other words, can I use the application core to change the firmware of the modem, so I will be able to use GNSS, then change the firmware (without a PC of course) and then continue to use DECT NR+?

Regards,
Michal

[Øyvind]

Hello Michal, 

As it was already mentioned in multiple threads/other sources, there is no GNSS or LTE functionality on the DECT NR+ firmware.

Yes, this is correct. The DECT NR+ PHY firmware is a variant of the nRF91x1 firmware with a different radio technology than the cellular firmware. In particular, the DECT NR+ PHY firmware does not support cellular operation or the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) - DECT NR+ physical layer

I have forwarded your question to our DECT NR+ experts and will provide an answer within 3 business days.

Kind regards,

Øyvind

[Mich@l]

Hi!
Did You have any luck getting any information?

Kind regards,

Michal

[Øyvind]

Hello Michal, apologies for the late response. Here is the answer I got from the team:

This functionality is currently not supported because switching the firmware would be interpreted by the platform security as a rollback attack.

Kind regards,
Øyvind

[Mich@l]

Hello,

Thanks a lot for the response!

Best regards,
Michal

[Øyvind]

You're welcome, Michal!

Kind regards,
Øyvind

[Mich@l]

Hello!
Thanks again for the helpful responses earlier.
I was wondering - just out of curiosity - how the change could possibly be achieved (aside from interpreting it as an attack)? What exactly would report an incident of rollback? (what do you mean by platform security). 

I’d love to understand it better.

Best regards,
Michal

[Øyvind]

HI Michal, according to our team there is no specific pointer. It is the secure SW update that checks the SW version, and will refuse to update older version than currently installed

Kind regards,
Øyvind