Internet of Things - IGF Dec 6th 2008

Applicability of Handle System and a proposal on ONS gTLD was the main focus of this session. Interoperability and inevitability of usage of DNS on Machine2Human interactions were grudgingly acknowledged. Proposing Handle system for Machine2Machine Metadata exchange was mooted.


I felt that both of these arguments lacked the merit of a credible global scale solutions to internet of things (with due respect to Bob Kahn - CNRI - Digital Object Identifier initiative).


I do not see any reason to go to antiquated manufacturer suffix based MAC address like handle system or a shortcut approach with a proposal to embrace and extend the already insecure DNS system by creating a .ONS gTLD (suggested Prof. Francis Muguet).


We need a fresh and simpler approach. IPv6 was on the table but it was not taken up up much needed passion. My early suggestions on Global directory service for the Digital world back 2005 based IPv6 was probably little nascent. However the central idea is very relavent and practical for Active RFID today.

The aspect of creating a identifier and associating meta data to it needs to be handled independently. This is the beauty and power of simplicity of current Internet architecture.


In my opinion, An effective way to handle identity of Internet of things is IPv6 with LDAP for simplicity and security.

IPv6 offers a universal digital identifier and LDAP provides a rich mature, scalable and secure framework for access and storage RFID meta-data.

IPv6 could possibly be embedded into each of active RFID chip along with a self-signed key. A directory more like a ITU-ENUM or Yellow Pages or LDAP approach could be taken to capture and keep the meta-data data accessible to interested parties with strictly ACL(Access Control Lists) based restrictions.


The Privacy concerns on Internet of things like ability to Turnoff the RFID after Purchase or Reaching the final destination was important. Current cost barrier or cost differential between Passive RFID and Active Mutable RFID Chips were discussed.

The Current GS1 initiative on RFID would have been a better forum for definition, control and access requirements for RFID Meta-data. It may also be good forum to influence policy decisions on privacy enhanced technology in RFID.

I think IGF definitely helped to raise consciousness on the emerging applications of Internet and their impact on the society through this discussion on Internet of Things.