How do we automate the Smart Machine Bidding procedure for the LPWAN devices in order to reduce the costs of an IoT network? Yes, this is one of the challenges for the second Blockchain Hackathon (part of LongHash Cryptocon Vol2) in Berlin on May 18-19 this year. More details here.
As an advantage to all developers, blockchain enthusiasts and crypto geeks who are aching to solve this challenge, here is an interview with Aslan Mehrabi, Data Scientist at MXC Foundation which defines LPWAN in detail and its IoT devices that operate through it, and maybe a few tips that might help in cracking this challenge.
MXC foundation focuses on connecting Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology with the blockchain as an infrastructure for Internet of Things (IoT). MXC automates machine-to-machine (M2M) transactions and provides a device data economy. The pricing policies of data transmissions through gateways in LPWAN are determined by MXC Smart Machine Bidding (SMB). In the SMB, based on the bidding strategies provided by the device owners, and the gateway owners, the payments for using downlink / uplink LPWAN resources will be determined. Your task is to develop an automated solution (e.g. based on Machine learning methods, dynamic algorithms or greedy algorithm) which provides near-optimum value for accepted_delay and max_bid parameters to reduce the total cost of the LPWAN for the user. Edited excerpts of the interview:
Please share a some background of MXC Foundation and its focus?
MXC is creating a global data highway, which automates machine to machine (M2M) transactions, decentralizes big data and enables a device data economy. With the introduction of the Machine Xchange Coin (MXC), adopters of LPWAN data technologies trade data access or sensor data for MXC.
The MXC global data highway is automated using smart contracts running on the Machine Xchange Protocol (MXProtocol). Based in Berlin, MXC is a non-profit foundation promoting the global adoption and implementation of LPWAN data technology.
At MXC, we believe that MXC, paired with LPWAN is the next step in the fourth industrial revolution, we’re actively enabling smart cities and providing public access to big data. By introducing the Machine Exchange Coin and the Machine Exchange Protocol, MXC gives everyone a chance to profit from a more balanced and intelligent infrastructure data network. This is why MXC, is the future of IoT.
What is a “Low Power Wide Area Network”?
LPWAN stands for ‘Low Power, Wide Area Network’. it can be used to realize the Internet of Things (IoT). LPWAN is a type of wide area network that allows radio-equipped devices to communicate. WANs are simply telecommunications networks. The system of cell phone towers and 5G you rely on every day is a WAN. So is the internet, if you want to get technical. You could form an Internet of things WAN using 5G technology, or even landline broadband. However, unless your device has a mains plug, you’re going to run out of battery power very fast that way. Instead, the future of large scale, low maintenance, widely dispersed IoT applications will be found in LOW POWER wireless WANS – LPWANs.
What are the e
Temperature sensors, smart locks, movement sensors, fire alert and etc.
Where will the data come from? In the LPWAN based IoT network, the devices (also known as sensors / nodes) are required to send the data which they have produces to their corresponding server and receive commands from it. It makes the flow of data which is possible by LPWAN.
How are the prices determined?
By the bidding procedure which is determined in the SMB white paper of MXC
Any examples of device owners/ gateway owners?
If I have a LPWAN device (temperature sensor, smart lock, movement sensor, etc) I am a device owner. LPWAN Gateways are needed in order to send/receive data to/from the LPWAN device. Gateway owners – people or companies who own and maintain gateways.
How fast can the machine operate? How much data can it process and transmit?
It depends on what do you mean by the machine. For LPWAN devices, based on the applications and the firmware, different processing and data transmission speeds can be provided.
What are the main industries where such a technology is applicable?
Smart cities, smart homes and in general the future world will use it. For more information take a look at https://www.matchx.io/solutions/
Why focus on using GO as the programmatic language?
Golang is a preferable language. It’s convenient, fast, and secure to write code with Golang, and it provides cross-platform support. Golang is currently one of the fastest growing programming languages in the software industry. Its speed, simplicity, and reliability make it the perfect choice for all kinds of developments.
How is cost being defined exactly if the value of the data is set by the owner?
In this task (and generally the SMB), we are investigating on data transmission cost which should be paid by the device owner to the LPWAN resource providers (e.g. gateway owners). Value of the data is set by the data owner in the data market place of MXC which is managed in another ways and is not related to the SMB.
Tell us a few more applications of the LPWAN?
LPWAN can provide a cost effective network for IoT. Battery usage of LPWAN devices are super low. The devices are able to send / receive data for several years with a single battery. These are just a few of the reasons to say LPWAN empowers the IoT.
Any extra tips for the developers who are working on this task?
A really good implementation of this task is very important because it will help to optimize expenses for end-users.
Does this challenge interest you? Apply here for the Hackathon before the 12th of May – the event is free for all developers who apply. Also, there is more. If you are a developer or aspiring entrepreneur in the blockchain/crypto space and want to know about the investment perspectives from Top Asian & European Funds in the Blockchain segment or business use cases in real word adoption, get your free tickets for Hash Talk which will be an afternoon-long summit focused on discussions and creating insights on investment, business, and tech in blockchain curated and brought by LongHash Germany. More details here.
