In environments with poor data connection to the internet, or none at all, it is difficult to perform updates since all the new binaries live in balenaCloud and devices require this connection.
The use of a Local Registry Cache would allow devices to connect locally inside the same network to perform the updates, both of containers and hostOS. This registry should be prepared in advance, provisioning the new application releases and OS versions.
This preparation may require teporary Internet connection to get the new releases, or maybe not if a file transfer mechanism of some can be enabled (maybe copying files from an external media)
With this local registry, we would enable:
- Offline updates on airgapped / isolated networks
- Reduced bandwidth consumption for devices connected via cellular
- More reliable downloads on cellular connections with poor data coverage
- Updates on secured environments with restrictive firewalls (like China or manufacturing plants)