Each new technology supporting collection, storage, conversion and distribution of information needs data networks and corresponding interfaces.
International standards deliver the “rules” for the efficient cooperation of all components and services in data networks and are enabler for IoT/IIoT and Industrie 4.0.
The digitalization of information is underway. It is enabling the use of data to better understand our preferences and provide us with the services that match our needs. At home, the data collected and analyzed ensures that the preferred temperature is calibrated depending on the occupancy and time of day. Farm animals are monitored from afar to provide the correct quantities of food and water for consumption and guard against illnesses. Manufacturers rely on digital twins to enhance their production capabilities and predict glitches before they occur. Information is being gathered, analyzed and applied to improve experiences in all parts of our lives.
This utilization of Information Technology is driving such trends as smart cities, smart buildings and smart manufacturing. It relies on new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) to gather the data, cloud computing to store the data and machine learning to analyze the data. But these technologies, and their successful implementation, are only possible with high levels of performance and reliability, as well as interoperability and the expertise to implement new applications. Likewise, Operational Technology (OT) is commonly used for monitoring and controlling simple, low-speed devices used in manufacturing, industrial and utility applications. Examples of OT include building control systems that connect meters, sensors, actuators and remote controllers, as well as automated industrial systems, such as devices and machinery that support manufacturing and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Data networking is the one common thread throughout these digital trends. Regardless of whether the network is cabled or wireless, collected data needs to be carried through networks to be analyzed and dispatched. The work to standardize the interfaces and generic cabling necessary for data networking is undertaken by a joint ISO and IEC technical committee focusing on the Interconnection of IT Equipment (ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 25).
SC 25 is working on this set of standards for many years and provides design engineer’s, planners, consultants and installers with basic documents for their daily work in data networks for residential use; in public and private buildings, campuses and data centers; and in industrial environments.
To do so SC 25 has been organized in four working groups (WG’s) addressing specific items of data networking and interfaces:
SC 25/WG 1 accomplishments include:
ISO/IEC 14543 series for Home Electronic Systems. This working group has reported increased participation thanks to the virtual meeting format, resulting in a record number of documents and related technical activities that are well aligned with future trends and SC 25’s scope.
SC 25/WG 1 accomplishments include:
ISO/IEC 11801 series for Generic Cabling. This group has also sustained a high level of international participation and cooperation through the use of virtual meetings. The wide scope of work within WG3 is well organized and distributed among numerous Ad hoc groups.
SC25/WG 4:
projects encompass diverse computing and networking technologies including Fibre Channel (ISO/IEC 14165 series), SNIA & DMTF; AT Attachment storage interface, maintenance for Floating Point standards, Fire Wire and Microprocessors. This WG customarily meets once yearly with approximately 18 interim meetings.
SC25/WG 5:
had been started in 2021 and the work is strongly related to WG 1 activities.
It is very important for the success of SC 25 work to cooperate with other standard bodies and organizations to keep up to date to newest developments and resulting user and customer requirements. SC 25 has intensive liaison relationships with SC 27 (Information Security), SC 41 (IoT), ITU, IEEE and others.
With the growing importance of data networking and automation in the industry but furthermore in our entire life, SC 25 takes care of additional aspects in international standardization such as network security, power consumption and efficiency as well as sustainability.