ISO/IEC 29161 – The Internet of Things

How does the Internet of Things (IoT) actually work?  Look for standards “underneath the hood.”  The new ISO/IEC 29161 is a good example of how standards work behind the scenes.   This new document is titled “Information technology – Data structure – Unique identification for the Internet of Things.”  It uses existing and evolving data structures to set up a unique identification scheme for IoT.

This is a common problem when working with computer based systems.  When one thing needs to “communicate” with another thing, how does one “know” the other?  Because of this problem, unique identification schemes have been developed.  Many times these identifiers are based on the network location, like the URL.  However, “things” may also be identified with legacy data like serial numbers and rf tags.

So ISO/IEC 29161 provides you with information on the IoT Network.  It discusses unique identifiers used in these types of applications.  And it reviews various schema that are suitable for them.  Since there are a lot of standards that are being used in this space, there is definitely a need for some clarity.  The bibliography alone lists 78 relevant standards!

There are 4 informative Annexes in the ISO/IEC 29161.  Annex A is on how to use these types of unique identifiers with other IT standards.  Annex B has to do with sensor networks and “OID wrappers.”  (OID stands for Object Identifier.)  Annex C covers the identification schemes that can be used over a network.  And Annex D is on the ontology of identification.  (If this isn’t your field, I’m sure you’re wondering what the heck this means!  The concept of ontology comes from metaphysics.  It’s used in IT to mean a system that’s been set up for machine-interpretation in a particular domain.  Here’s an overview that makes the concept a little clearer:   Ontology Development 101.)

So when you’re thinking about getting an application that lets you turn your heater up 30 minutes before you get home, you’re using the ISO/IEC 29161 and all the other IoT standards!  And if this is your field, you’ll want to get a copy of this new publication.

All ISO and IEC standards need to be purchased from an authorized distributor like Document Center Inc.  You can search for and order standards at our webstore, www.document-center.com.  Here is a direct link to the order page for the ISO/IEC 29161.  If you have additional questions, please get in touch with our staff.  We can be reached by phone (650-591-7600) and by email (info@document-center.com).  Since we’ve been working with standards since 1982, we have the knowledge to help you with any standards question you may have.  Make us your Standards Experts!

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Claudia Bach

Claudia Bach is the President of Document Center Inc. and a world-wide recognized expert on Standards and Standards Distribution. You can connect with her on Google+

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