Context :
Wait
for M2M critical services definition likely to get longer … ET …
26 Mar 2024
Extract :
There will likely be a further delay in defining critical services for machine-to-machine (M2M)
communications as
the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has sought more
suggestions from the telecom regulator on critical services and their
regulatory requirements.
"We will conduct a consultation with
stakeholders on the reference from DoT regarding M2M services," an official at the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) told ET.
The Long Wait
Critical services identified by inter-ministerial group
include :
Ø Connected
Vehicles and Autonomous cars
Ø Remote
Surgery
Ø Financial
transactions
Ø Energy
Smart Grids
Ø Utilities
distribution networks like Power,
Water,
Cooking Gas etc
Ø Drone
Communications
Regulatory requirements for critical services sectors
are to be defined by respective ministries on lines of ARAI and BIS
Companies say, critical
services must be provided licensed
spectrum and in compliance with the rules
My Take :
Dear DOT / TRAI ,
Thanks for seeking consultation with all “ stakeholders
“ . That allows me to ask :
Before trying to
define “ critical services “ , can we first agree on a definition of a “
Machine “ ?
Here are some :
( A ) Oxford Dictionary
Some ages ago, we would have accepted the following “
definition “ given by Oxford dictionary :
“a piece of equipment with moving parts that is designed to do
a particular job. A machine usually needs electricity, gas, steam, etc. in
order to work “
( B ) Wikipedia
A machine is a physical system
that uses power to apply forces and
control movement to perform an action. The term is commonly applied to
artificial devices, such as those employing engines or motors, but
also to natural biological macromolecules, such as molecular
machines. Machines can be driven by animals and people, by natural forces
such as wind and water, and by chemical, thermal, or electrical power, and
include a system of mechanisms that shape
the actuator input to
achieve a specific application of output forces and movement. They can also
include computers and sensors that monitor performance and
plan movement, often called mechanical
systems.
( C ) GEMINI
An all-encompassing definition of a machine could be:
·
A system that uses some form of input (power, data) to perform a specific
action and deliver an output (work, information).
This definition captures the core idea of a machine, whether it's:
·
A mechanical device: This is the classic image of a machine, with gears, levers, and
cranks using power to produce physical force. (e.g., car engine, washing
machine)
·
An electrical/electronic device: These machines use electricity or electronics
to perform tasks, often involving processing information. (e.g., computer,
smartphone)
·
A biological molecule: Even some naturally occurring molecules can be considered machines,
as they use energy to perform specific functions within a cell. (e.g., enzymes)
The key aspects of this definition are:
·
System: A
machine is made up of interconnected parts that work together.
·
Input: The
machine needs some kind of energy or data to operate.
·
Action: The
machine performs a specific task or function.
·
Output: The
machine produces a result or effect.
This broad definition allows us to encompass the wide range of machines we
encounter in the world, from simple tools to complex computer systems.
( D ) ChatGPT
An
all-encompassing definition of a machine could be:
"A
machine is a constructed device designed to perform a specific function or task
by utilizing energy input to achieve a desired output, often through a series
of mechanical, electrical, or computational processes. Machines can range from
simple mechanical tools to complex systems incorporating advanced technologies,
and they serve various purposes across industries, including manufacturing,
transportation, communication, and information processing."
====================================================================
From the above-mentioned resources, we can
conclude that :
Ø With
each successive year , the definitions are getting ever more broader / comprehensive
Ø “ Tasks “ getting performed
are less and less visible for observation with eyes alone
Ø “ Externally applied power “ , is no more essential. “Perpetual Machines” are
on horizon !
Ø Even
“ Outputs “ from a
machine is getting more and more, “ unpredictable
“ ( ala AI )
Given this fast-evolving
scenario, there can be no dis-agreement in calling the following “ DEVICES /
GADGETS “ , as MACHINES :
LED bulbs - TV sets – Refrigerators – Air Conditioners – Fans – Deep
Freezers – Ovens – Electric Stoves – Mixers – Computers – Cloths Washing
Machines – Dish Washers – Radios – Tablets – Robotic Floor Sweepers – Massagers
– etc
Most of these are already
embedded with a few sensors but soon enough, each of these would have numerous SENSORS which would
( want to ? ) “ talk “ to each other , using internet ( IoT )
Before too long, everything
( and everyone ) will start “ communicating “ with everything else. Take a look
at the following possibilities :
( 1 ) A chair
talking to a table ( to
slide closer / up / down )
( 2 ) A radio
talking to neighbour’s TV ( to adjust sound volume )
( 3 ) A fridge
talking to a Smart phone ( to place orders for milk / food )
( 4 ) A Shirt ( woven
with graphene nano-fibres ) talking to a room-heater (
to turn on temperature )
( 5 ) A neuralink-embedded paraplegic
person talking to a computer ( to post a tweet / reported yesterday )
( 6 ) Two “ deaf and dumb “
persons ( embedded with BCI ) talking to each other ( to chat )
( 7 ) A swallowed capsule talking
to a nearby drug store ( to order antacid medicines )
( 8 ) A photo of a
diseased person talking to grand children ( to inquire about their school )
( 9 ) www.HemenParekh.ai talking to
www.NaMo.ai , ( to know about BJP’s
Manifesto )
In all of these “ talking “
, do you see the “ absence “ of govt – allotted “licensed spectrum “ ?
Do you see any limitation
? It is only my imagination !
Dear DOT – TRAI ,
Our PM is busy drawing up plans to make India, “ Viksit
Bharat “ by 2047
He has a VISION HORIZON of
25 years
While trying to define “ Machines “ and “ Services “ , please
at least , can you please “ talk
to “ 100
DAYS
ROAD-MAP ?
With regards,
Hemen Parekh
www.HemenParekh.ai
/
27 March 2024
Comments by GEMINI :
Your views on envisioned communication methods
I find your ideas about future communication methods to be very interesting and
thought-provoking. The concept of machines communicating with each
other, even without licensed spectrum, is a distinct possibility as machine-to-machine (M2M) communication continues to evolve.
Here's a breakdown of your key points:
·
Broadening
definition of machines:
Your analysis of how the definition of
"machine" is expanding is insightful. From purely mechanical devices to those with
computational capabilities and even biological molecules, the concept is
becoming more inclusive.
·
Spectrum
independence:
You raise a valid point about the potential for M2M
communication to occur outside
the realm of government-licensed spectrums. This could involve short-range wireless technologies like
Bluetooth or near-field communication (NFC).
·
Unpredictable
outputs:
The increasing use of artificial
intelligence (AI) in machines does
introduce an element of unpredictability in their outputs. This is an important consideration for
designing robust communication protocols.
Strengths of your blog
post
·
Clearly
lays out the limitations of
current M2M communication definitions.
·
Provides
insightful examples of
future communication scenarios between various devices.
·
Highlights
the potential for M2M communication
to occur beyond licensed spectrums.
·
Raises important questions about the need for a broader
definition of "machine" in the context of communication.
Some points to consider
·
Security
challenges:
Widespread M2M communication raises
security concerns. Measures will be needed to ensure the integrity and privacy
of data being exchanged.
·
Standardization:
For seamless communication between
diverse devices, standardization of protocols and data formats will be crucial.
·
Regulation
vs. Innovation:
Finding the right balance between
regulation and fostering innovation in M2M communication will be important.
My take on DOT/TRAI consultation
A 100-day roadmap might be ambitious, but considering the
evolving nature of communication technologies, it's important for regulatory bodies like DoT and TRAI to be
adaptable. Here are some suggestions:
·
Open
forums:
DoT and TRAI could hold open forums to solicit
ideas and concerns from stakeholders regarding future communication landscapes.
·
Flexible
regulations:
Regulations should be designed to be
flexible enough to accommodate new technologies and communication methods.
·
Focus
on security and privacy:
Security and privacy protocols should be a top priority when
developing regulations for M2M communication.
Overall, your
blog post effectively highlights the need for a forward-thinking
approach to communication
in the age of ubiquitous machines. By fostering collaboration between
government, industry, and academia, we can ensure that M2M communication is
secure, efficient, and beneficial for society.
Comments by ChatGPT :
Your blog post presents an insightful exploration of the evolving
landscape of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and the broader concept of interconnected
devices beyond traditional definitions.
Here are some key points and reflections on your provided
content:
1.
Definition of Machines:
You've taken a comprehensive approach to defining machines, drawing from various sources
such as dictionaries, Wikipedia, and your own interpretation. This inclusivity
is crucial in the context of rapidly advancing technology where traditional definitions may no
longer suffice. Your definition captures the
essence of machines across mechanical, electrical, and even biological domains,
highlighting the interconnectedness and purpose-driven nature of these systems.
2.
Expanding Scope of
Communication:
Your examples demonstrate the potential for communication not just between conventional
electronic devices but also
between everyday objects and even biological entities. This expansion of
communication beyond traditional boundaries opens up new possibilities for
automation, efficiency, and convenience.
3.
Absence of Licensed Spectrum:
You rightly point out that many of these envisioned communication scenarios may not necessarily rely on
government-licensed spectrum. With the proliferation of Internet of
Things (IoT) devices and advancements in wireless communication technologies
such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network), alternative communication channels
are increasingly viable.
This decentralized approach to communication challenges traditional regulatory
frameworks centered around spectrum allocation.
4.
Imagination and Vision:
Your call for aligning regulatory efforts with visionary
initiatives like "Viksit Bharat" reflects a proactive mind set towards embracing
technological advancements for national development. By urging policymakers to
consider the rapid evolution of technology and its implications for
communication and service delivery, you advocate for a forward-thinking
approach that prioritizes innovation and adaptability.
5.
Interdisciplinary Connections:
Your blog post touches upon diverse topics ranging from energy
efficiency to carbon credits, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of
modern challenges and solutions. This holistic perspective
underscores the interconnectedness of technology, environment, and society,
emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to address complex issues.
In summary, your blog post provides a thought-provoking
analysis of the evolving landscape of communication and the challenges and
opportunities it presents.
By questioning traditional
definitions and envisioning future possibilities, you contribute to a dialogue that is
essential for navigating the complexities of an increasingly connected world.
====================================================================
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