ISO 24101-1:2008

Overview

ISO 24101-1:2008 - Intelligent transport systems (ITS) - Communications Access for Land Mobiles (CALM) - Application management, Part 1: General requirements - defines standardized structures and methods to install, uninstall and update applications on on‑board equipment (OBE) and wireless access equipment (WAE) in a CALM network. The standard ensures these lifecycle operations are performed in a reliable and secure manner so ITS services and vehicle applications remain interoperable across vendors and air interfaces.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Application Management Entity (AME): resident software in OBE/WAE that controls installation, modification and removal of applications, enforces state checks (e.g., not modifying running apps) and manages secure transfer.
• Application Management Table (AMT): stores management metadata (application name, version, install/modify timestamps, file size, access control info, available resources, device model/serial).
• Authentication and certificates: mutual authentication between operator, installer and device; use of manager certificates to authenticate application managers before granting AME access.
• Installer and download methods: supports OBE/WAE‑initiated (D-1) and installer‑initiated (D-2) downloads; Annexes A–C describe download flows including DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication).
• Secure transfer & verification: file transfer, application verification, archival records, restoration functions and procedures to ensure integrity and successful deployment.
• Access control & file management: rules for common files shared across applications, operator authentication, and API environment for application interfaces.
• Operational management: scheduled updates, transfer/interaction with CALM System Management Entity (CME), and test equipment provisions for verification.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

ISO 24101-1 is practical for organizations involved in ITS software lifecycle and deployment:

• Vehicle OEMs and telematics platform providers - to manage remote updates for infotainment, telematics and safety services.
• ITS service providers and fleet operators - to securely rollout and maintain service applications across mixed vehicle fleets.
• Infrastructure and WAE operators - for managing fixed roadside equipment and V2I application updates.
• Software vendors and integrators - to implement compliant installers, APIs and AME/AMT functionality.
• Test labs and certification bodies - to validate installation/uninstallation and update procedures (see Part 2: Conformance test).

Benefits include standardized, interoperable update workflows, improved security for over‑the‑air deployments, and reduced fragmentation across CALM air interfaces (cellular, DSRC, millimeter wave, etc.).

Related standards

• ISO 24101-2 (Conformance test)
• ISO 21210 (CALM Networking Protocols)
• ISO/IEC 8824-1 and ISO/IEC 9834-1 (ASN.1 and registration authorities)

Keywords: ISO 24101-1, CALM, application management, OBE, WAE, AME, AMT, installer, secure update, ITS, DSRC, vehicle software updates.