developers who want some design
guidelines and to manufacturers who
would like some specifications to
build and test to. While no formal
standards exist, there are multiple
efforts underway.
For example, the International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) is
developing some M2M standards but
these will not be available for a while.
The Telecommunications Industry
Association (TIA) is working on its TR-
50 standard that could be completed
by the end of the year.
Another effort is the work of
AllJoyn Alliance that is using the
previous work of Qualcomm to
create some standards based on the
Linux OS. The Internet Engineering
Task Force (ITEF) 6Lo WPAN is also in
the running as a standard. IBM, Intel,
and Cisco have done some standards
work, as well. Finally, a new
organization called the Industrial
Internet Consortium (IIC) is beginning
standards work.
SOME THINGS
TO CONSIDER
It is interesting to see the
immense interest in M2M and Io T.
However, some are unsure of the
security and safety of the data being
communicated. This problem could
limit Io T adoption in some critical
applications. While most wireless
technologies incorporate heavy duty
encryption, other forms of security
like authentication or the use of
VPNs may be necessary for some
applications. Each system will require
its own solution.
Another issue is the potential for
massive electromagnetic interference
(EMI) problems. Just imagine all the
noise and interference of billions of
low power radios all working at the
same time. We are not at the point
where this is an immediate issue, but
it is one to contemplate.
M2M and Io T are the
technologies of the year. Look for
increased adoption in the future, and
get ready to participate. NV
June 2014 21