Tech

The Internet of Things (IoT) and the PBX

Published on:

June 29, 2014

The concept of the "Internet of Things" (IoT) can often be clouded by vague terms, and the promise of IPv6 enabling the "Internet of Everything" seemed like a great solution at first. While the idea of assigning every object its own IP address sounds compelling, the reality is simpler and more practical solutions are often more effective. In terms of IoT, telephone numbers, especially in the form of extensions, offer a well-understood, universal addressing system that could be used to control devices like shutters, lights or doors, all via a PBX. Ultimately, a mix of different technologies will likely coexist, enabling seamless interaction across various devices and systems.

Honestly, I don’t like those blurry terms like unified communications - nobody can exactly say what they actually mean. "Internet of Things (IoT)" or "Internet of Everything" is one (or two) of them. Here are some thoughts from my side of what it could mean, especially as to how those devices can be addressed.

A few years ago, when I learned about the advantages of IPv6, I thought this would be the ticket for the Internet of Everything. I don’t remember who had the idea, but someone said that everything can have an IP address, even things that don’t even have a microprocessor or anything electronic. For example, instead of printing those old-fashioned barcodes on yogurt, it would be cool to have a 2D IPv6 address on the cup. We could then define events for this address like “onProduce”, “onPurchase” or “onDispose” and trigger certain actions for them.

While this is a cool idea, I am afraid the reality will look different. First, the enthusiasm about IPv6 is pretty much gone - at least in my world. Instead, it seems a lot more pragmatic to just choose a URL instead of a numeric address. Why not encode http://abc-yogurt.com/item/0234523523 in that 2D code, instead of a number that nobody understands anyway? Or just skip it all and use the stuff we already have? When we introduced the Vodia mini PBX, we had to allocate a UPC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Product_Code is an interesting reading on this subject). Why not map it to a URL? This seems to be a lot easier coming up with something completely new. On the other hand, the UPC seems to be unsuitable for an individual tag. It isn't possible to have the expiry date machine readable, which sounds like a major issue that needs improvement - then we have the size of the label. While the old labels required a lot of real estate on the package, new labels can be a lot smaller (and 2D). Why not use watermarking technology and have several kilobytes on a label? There's no need to see the pixel with a human eye.

There is another number system for the internet of things we shouldn't forget: the telephone number. I don’t get tired telling people there are more telephone numbers in the USA than there are IPv4 addresses in the world, though this isn't the point; extensions are a well-understood way of extending the address space easily. If you have a motor for the shutters in your house, why not just call them up? Telephones are still the most widely available devices on the planet, and everybody understands how to dial a number. When you're at home, why not use your cordless phone to dial the “extension” of your shutter, door, light, and so on? Here's where the PBX steps in: it can translate a telephone call into a HTTP URL and trigger programmed actions. We have recently added something to the auto attendant that can do this, and much more.

At the end of the day, we will have a mix of everything. The shutter controller will have an IPv4 address, it will have an IPv6 address, it will have a UPC and a serial number. And it will be possible to control it with a phone number.

Derniers articles

Voir tous

How the Hospitality Industry Can Exceed Guest Expectations

As hotels prepare for the upcoming travel season, many are rethinking their communication systems to better meet modern guest expectations. Vodia CEO Dr. Christian Stredicke explains how VoIP, AI, and app-based control are key to delivering smarter, more personalized service. Guests now expect mobile-first experiences—whether for check-in, room controls, or contacting hotel staff. Vodia’s customizable communication solutions help hotels automate tasks, streamline operations, and boost guest comfort while reducing costs. With robust security and seamless integration into existing hotel management systems, Vodia enables hotels to move beyond outdated hardware and deliver the connected, high-quality experience today’s travelers demand.

April 23, 2025

Seatrade Cruise Global 2025: Communications Revolution Onboard - What Cruise Experts Need to Know

At Seatrade’s 40th anniversary, Vodia and Lufthansa Industry Solutions showcased the Vodia Maritime Communication Server and the new CruisR World App—purpose-built for next-generation cruise ships and cost-effective retrofits. Key themes at the event included AI-powered language translation, breakthrough satellite connectivity, UC platforms, and advanced emergency protocols. These innovations enable cruise lines to streamline operations, personalize guest experiences, and meet growing expectations for safety and connectivity. As the cruise industry evolves, Vodia’s solutions position communication teams to lead with smarter, more human-centric technology at sea.

April 23, 2025

Christian Stredicke Discusses the Future of AI in Business Communications on the Technology Reseller News Podcast

Vodia CEO Christian Stredicke recently joined Technology Reseller News to discuss how AI is reshaping business communications. With the release of Vodia PBX version 69.5.6, features like real-time OpenAI integration and call transcription via Whisper are setting the stage for voice-driven interactions—replacing complex phone menus with simple spoken commands. Christian emphasized Vodia’s goal of using AI to improve productivity and customer experience, while recognizing the importance of tailoring AI applications to specific industries. He likened today’s AI shift to the early days of the web, where expert guidance is key to successful adoption.

April 3, 2025