Summary: Aerospace and defense engineering relies on IEEE Standards to ensure mission‑critical systems achieve safety, reliability, and flawless performance under extreme conditions. Standardized practices drive innovation in space exploration, military defense, and complex system integration worldwide.

The aerospace and defense industries represent the pinnacle of engineering complexity, where mission-critical systems must perform flawlessly under extreme conditions. From the Mars Perseverance rover’s autonomous navigation systems to the F-35 Lightning II’s integrated avionics, these achievements rely on rigorous engineering standards that ensure every component works seamlessly together to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

Consider NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. This ambitious initiative requires coordination between multiple spacecraft, ground systems, international partners, and countless subsystems, all governed by strict IEEE software and systems engineering standards that ensure safety, reliability, and mission success.

Similarly, modern defense systems like the Aegis Combat System, which protects naval vessels worldwide, depend on standardized engineering processes to integrate radar, weapons, and command systems into a unified defense platform capable of tracking and engaging multiple threats simultaneously.

These high-profile successes demonstrate how standardized engineering practices transform complex technical challenges into reliable, deployable solutions..

Standards in Critical Applications

In aerospace and defense development, systems engineers apply IEEE Standards to oversee complex integrations by understanding system requirements, managing stakeholder needs, and ensuring all components work together while balancing performance, cost, and risk considerations. Whether designing next-generation fighter aircraft or satellite constellations, engineers rely on established standards to guide development from initial concept through operational deployment.

On the operational side, aerospace and defense organizations use these standards to maintain mission readiness by identifying optimal system configurations, managing upgrades and modifications, overseeing cybersecurity measures, and documenting changes for compliance and audit purposes. Standards-based approaches are particularly crucial in environments where system failures can have catastrophic consequences.

The field of space exploration—which demands flawless integration between propulsion, guidance, communication, and scientific instruments, relies heavily on IEEE Standards to meet stringent performance, reliability, and safety requirements. Standards are also essential in military systems development, satellite communications, and critical infrastructure protection.
Across these domains, IEEE Standards significantly enhance system reliability, development efficiency, and regulatory compliance. In the defense sector, for example, Lockheed Martin has implemented various standardized engineering practices, such as DevSecOps and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), that have been credited with speeding up development cycles.

Growing Demand for Standards Expertise

Based on the demonstrated value of standardized engineering practices, demand for professionals with IEEE Standards expertise is surging. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth of approximately 4,400 new aerospace engineering jobs through 2032, with particular emphasis on professionals who understand both technical systems and regulatory compliance requirements. 

Meanwhile, the commercial global space industry is projected to reach US $1.8 trillion by 2035,  creating unprecedented demand for engineers skilled in standards-based development practices.

To accomplish mission-critical objectives, aerospace and defense engineers take a systematic approach, evaluating all aspects of integrated systems to ensure each component contributes to overall mission success. Because they must understand diverse technologies, regulatory requirements, and how complex systems interact, these professionals play a role similar to master architects—orchestrating technical excellence across multiple disciplines.

Among their major responsibilities, standards-focused engineers typically handle requirements definition and traceability, design verification and validation, configuration management, risk assessment and mitigation, regulatory compliance, and coordination between engineering teams, program managers, suppliers, and government stakeholders. Their expertise directly impacts program success, safety outcomes, and regulatory approval timelines.

Master Critical Standards with IEEE

IEEE Software and Systems Engineering Standards Used in Aerospace and Defense is a comprehensive course program that explores systems and software engineering concepts specifically tailored for aerospace and defense industries. Topics covered include:

• Life cycle and engineering process fundamentals
• Selection and application of appropriate IEEE Standards for critical systems
• Identification of special considerations for defense and aerospace programs
• Methods for addressing complex issues through interrelated life cycle processes, and
• Agile techniques that enable rapid delivery without compromising quality or regulatory compliance.

This five-course online program is ideal for aerospace engineers, project managers, software engineers, government and defense professionals, and standards developers who need to master the intersection of technical excellence and regulatory compliance in mission-critical environments.

Explore this course program today on the IEEE Learning Network (ILN), or contact an IEEE Content Specialist for institutional access!

Thanks to the development and application of standards, people worldwide can trust that the products, processes, and services they use are safer, more reliable, higher quality, and – in some cases – more ethical or sustainable.

How Standards Shape Our World

In everyday life, standards help ensure the safety of everything from the food we eat to the appliances, devices, and medical equipment we operate. Standards also guide energy management for improved efficiency and govern IT security practices to protect sensitive information.

The concept of standardization dates back to ancient civilizations, many of which created universal systems of weights, measures, and guidelines to support their trading activities. The world’s first formal standards organization, the National Standards Body, was established in London in 1901. Following the launch of the World Bank in 1944 and the founding of the United Nations in 1945, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was officially created in 1947 to “establish international standards for goods and services, promote global cooperation, and enhance quality, safety, and efficiency” in the post-WWII era.

Streamlining Society and Business

Since then, standards have had an indelible impact on our lives – enhancing safety, promoting technological innovation, and streamlining global trade. Below are some interesting facts about global standards:

• The acronym “ISO” (associated with the International Organization for Standardization) comes from the Greek word “isos,” meaning “equal.”
• More than 100,000 standards are recognized in the U.S. alone, and over 30,000 international standards are acknowledged globally.
• Standards are foundational for a wide range of industries. Examples include:
  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) used in financial reporting
  • Common Core Standards in education
  • The National Electric Code (NEC) governing safe electrical installations in the U.S.
  • The International Energy Conservation Code regulating global energy usage
  • Bluetooth standards defining how wireless devices connect and communicate
  • HTML and CSS language standards regulating the architecture, look, and feel of web content
  • Even credit card sizes are standardized to ensure their compatibility worldwide!
• 14 October marks World Standards Day (founded by ISO in 1970), celebrating the importance of standards and those who develop them.

The Role of IEEE in the Standards Process

For over a century, the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) has helped shape global technology. As one of the most respected standards organizations, IEEE collaborates with thought leaders in more than 160 countries to advance innovation, safety, and interoperability. Its portfolio includes more than 1,200 active standards, with another 1,000+ currently in development.

IEEE standards span a wide range of disciplines—telecommunications, IT, electric vehicles, smart grids, blockchain, electromagnetic compatibility, and more. By providing a framework for compliance and innovation, these standards empower professionals to develop reliable, forward-thinking technologies. 

IEEE: Your Expert Source on Standards

IEEE offers many informative standards-related courses across a diverse range of fields.

• IEEE 802.11ax: An Overview of High-Efficiency Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6) 
  This 6-hour course program examines the underlying technology behind the latest Wi-Fi 6 products and the 802.11ax standard, which is focused on achieving higher efficiency and improving the user experience.
• Introduction to IEEE Std 1547-2018: Connecting Distributed Energy Resources 
  This 6-hour course program reviews the interconnection testing and verification requirements included in the IEEE 1547 standard, requirements for interoperability and open access at the DER, and power quality issues associated with DER systems.
• AI Standards: Roadmap for Ethical and Responsible Digital Environments 
  This 5-hour course program offers a comprehensive approach to creating ethical and responsible digital ecosystems based on the principles of Honesty & Impartiality, Protection & Security, and Safe Disclosure & Privacy.
• IEEE Software and Systems Engineering Standards Used in Aerospace and Defense
  This 5-hour course program explores systems and software engineering concepts applicable to the Aerospace and Defense industries and covers such topics as the selection and application of appropriate IEEE standards for life cycle processes, solving complex issues through interrelated life cycle processes, and techniques for rapid but high quality delivery.
• NESC® 2023: National Electrical Safety Code
  This 7-hour course program educates power utility professionals on the rules, regulations, and changes in the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and reviews such specific topics as supply station safety, grounding, and overhead and underground requirements.
• Software & Hardware Configuration Management in Systems Engineering
  This 5-hour course program reviews essential configuration management core concepts for both hardware and software, from the requirements specified in the IEEE 828 standard to best CM practices, modern CM approaches such as “Agile SCM,” and methods to assess and improve existing organizational CM practices.

Explore and enroll in IEEE standards courses today on the IEEE Learning Network. For institutional access, contact a specialist today!

In today’s highly connected business landscape, delays in the transmission of critical data can cost time, money, jobs, and even lives. As you can imagine, there’s an extensive and diverse range of data-driven applications where time is of the essence.

The seamless exchange of data between sensors and processors allows autonomous cars to make split-second decisions that ensure their safe and accurate navigation of roads. Robust IoT connections and timely data flow minimize waste and reduce downtime while promoting efficiency and overall performance in manufacturing. And timely data delivery enables the precise synchronization of audio and visual systems that deliver professional, best-in-class entertainment experiences for audiences worldwide.

Above are just a few of the mission-critical activities that rely on time-sensitive networking (TSN), a group of standards and protocols within the IEEE 802.1 umbrella that were designed to ensure “deterministic communication”. This means that data 1) gets to its final destination, and 2) does so within a specified timeframe over Ethernet networks. Thanks to TSN, industries that previously required specialized networking hardware to achieve their time-sensitive objectives can now use standard Ethernet connections to meet their needs.

The Fundamentals of Time-Sensitive Networking

First introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Ethernet is a communications technology that connects devices in a local area network (LAN). Using a system of “wired” cables (unlike Wi-Fi’s wireless approach), the Ethernet still remains a highly desirable approach for organizations that require speed, reliability, security, and the ability to maximize their internet connection when transmitting data.

However, while standard Ethernet typically transmits data only when network resources are available, the process of time-sensitive networking introduces a means of scheduling data transmission to ensure that it arrives on time and in a predictable fashion. This is achieved through TSN’s many powerful features, which include:

• Synchronization of clocks within devices on the TSN network via a “Precision Time Protocol” (PTP) capability to ensure on-time transmission
• Precise scheduling of data transmissions to ensure the on-time delivery of high-priority data
• “Traffic shaping,” through which TSN can avoid network congestion and smooth the way for data to flow by controlling the rate at which data is sent
• Back-up redundancy, which delivers an added measure of reliability by ensuring that if data fails to send via one path, it can be received via an alternative path
• Reservation of network resources, which assures that connected devices have the necessary bandwidth to successfully transmit data 

TSN in Industry

These and other features have made TSN an indispensable tool for industries and applications where ultra-low “latency” (defined as the time it takes for a computer, the internet, etc. to respond to an action taken) and “jitter” (signal changes in amplitude, width, or phase timing within a network) are paramount. Those industries include the following:

Automotive

In the automotive sector, TSN is popularly used to support real-time diagnostics for vehicle malfunctions and repairs as well as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, which enables vehicles to share information regarding traffic conditions, weather updates, alternative routes, and safety issues; the use of TSN also helps reduce the cost and complexity of connected infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems. Within autonomous vehicles, TSN enables the quick processing of data from sensors that ultimately control everything from the steering wheel and brakes to anti-slip functions, collision-avoidance systems, and more.

Industrial

Among other applications, TSN enhances efficiency and productivity in automated industrial manufacturing settings by enabling real-time communication and synchronization within robotic systems, conveyor belts, and assembly lines. As a result, industrial leaders such as Siemens and Poland-based company Keller, a provider of state-of-the-art printing technologies, have adopted TSN.

Energy

In the energy/utility industry, the use of TSN enables more efficient grid management and deployment of power to users by ensuring real-time communication between power generation and distribution systems. TSN also supports the efficient integration of renewable energy sources into the grid portfolio.

Ultimately, as industries across the board continue to undergo digital transformation, industry experts confirm that TSN is revolutionizing the face of real-time communication and control systems and opening the door to exciting and dynamic new possibilities in the future.

Take the Time to Master TSN

As time-sensitive networking continues to both evolve and be embraced by a broad range of organizations, there’s no time to waste when it comes to understanding the powerful benefits that TSN can bring to your or your clients’ operations.

Time-Sensitive Networking for New Ethernet Bridging Applications is a comprehensive eLearning course program from IEEE. It covers everything from specific challenges involved in delivering real-time communications on modern networks to the methods that have been developed by various standards groups. It also addresses each of the challenges identified and more.

Upon completion of the five-course program, learners will understand the importance of synchronization, traffic shaping, and queueing within time-sensitive applications as well as the current state of development and standardization of solutions in this dynamic field.

To learn more about accessing these courses for your organization, contact an IEEE Content Specialist today.

Interested in the course for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network.

 

Resources

Python and TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking): An In-Depth Guide. W3 Computing.

Hill, Simon. (20 April 2023). Everything You Need to Know About Ethernet. Wired.

Shukla, Guarav. (5 June 2022). What is Ethernet? How-To Geek.

Howard. (8 December 2023). The Introduction of Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). FS

Rouwet, Wim. (2022). Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication. Science Direct.

Leung, Jason. (18 December 2023). The Future of Connected Cars: How Time-Sensitive Networking Is Enhancing Automotive Embedded Systems. FiberRoad.

Burke, Tom. (7 July 2023). TSN Technology Endorsed by Industrial Automation Leaders. Automation.com.

Burke, Thomas. (5 February 2024). How to Use TSN to Improve Machine Design Performance, Precision. Control Engineering.

 

If you’ve seen solar panels on rooftops or wind power generated off coastal locales, you’re witnessing examples of DERs. Use of smart thermostats, electric vehicles, EV charging systems, fuel cells, or heat pumps also shows DERs. Additionally, participation in a local microgrid demonstrates the use of distributed energy resources, also known as DERs.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), distributed energy resources involve “a variety of technologies that generate electricity at or near where it will be used” rather than centralized sources. DERs support single homes, businesses, huge industrial facilities, college campuses, and entire municipalities. This is often achieved through a microgrid that connects to a central utility’s distribution lines. They are popular because they reduce electricity costs, improve power quality, and support renewable energy. They’ve become increasingly popular.

Benefits of Distributed Energy Resources

Thanks to DERs, homes and businesses can reduce grid dependence. The grid is aging, with portions over a century old. DERs also minimize power outage risks, which are rising due to severe storms and disasters. At the same time, DERs offer users greater control. They allow users to generate energy for personal use, sell it, or modify demand.

As such, one doesn’t have to look far to see evidence of the growing market and demand for DERs worldwide. For instance:

• On the solar panel front, Fortune Business Insights predicts the global solar power market will nearly double. It is expected to grow from US$254 billion in 2023 to US$437 billion by 2032.
• Statista projects the global battery energy storage market will grow from US$5 billion in 2023 to US$18 billion by 2030, more than tripling.
• Electric cars, which were 2% of all vehicles globally in 2018, accounted for about 18% of cars sold in 2023.
• Smart thermostat sales in the U.S. are set to triple, growing from roughly US$1.3 billion in 2022 to US$3.9 billion by 2029.

Growing Demand

The outlook for DERs continues to be positive. Declining initial price points are driving demand for these technologies. Additionally, federal support and funding through the Inflation Reduction Act are boosting demand. They offer financial rebates and incentives to encourage adoption. Similarly, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Order No. 222 will compensate DER owners for power provided to the grid. According to the World Resources Institute, this will create “a new long-term value stream for the people and entities using these resources.”

Similar actions are happening globally to support DER proliferation. In Europe, the ‘European Green Deal’ and ‘Clean Energy for all Europeans’ initiatives promote renewable energy sources and DERs. The International Energy Agency confirms DERs are crucial for China’s energy transformation.

Ultimately, experts confirm that the ongoing transition to DERs will promote a more reliable, energy-efficient, and equitable energy system worldwide.

Challenges Abound

While DERs offer benefits such as resilience, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, challenges exist too.

Harmonious operation of these systems requires investments in new technology. With many small-scale DERs activated worldwide, experts warn of potential issues. Integration with central power sources can lead to quality, compatibility, and reliability challenges. These will need more grid management control.

For these reasons, the IEEE Standard 1547 is crucial. It ensures the interconnection, interoperability, and safety of DERs connected to the grid.

“Before this standard, connecting renewable energy to the grid was challenging.” Christopher Sanderson, an industry expert, explained, “Each technology had its own protocols and requirements.” The IEEE Standard 1547 allows different DERs to work together seamlessly, he stated. It ensures electricity from various sources is reliably and efficiently integrated into the grid.

Navigate IEEE Standard 1547 Through a Targeted Course Program

Introduction to IEEE Standard 1547-2018: Connecting Distributed Energy Resources is a six-course program by IEEE. It trains technical teams on implementing this important standard. The course covers testing, verification, interoperability, and power quality issues from DER-grid interconnections.

Connect with an IEEE Content Specialist today to learn more about getting access to this program for your organization.

Interested in access for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network (ILN).

 

Resources

Hurst, R.W. What is Distributed Generation? Distributed Energy Resources. The Electricity Forum.

Distributed Generation of Electricity and its Environmental Impacts. United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Richmond-Crosset, Kyle and Greene, Zachary. (30 September 2022). How Distributed Energy Resources Can Lower Power Bills, Raise Revenue in US Communities. World Resources Institute.

(May 2022). Unlocking the Potential of Distributed Energy Resources. International Energy Agency.

Ali, Junaid. (16 August 2024). The Future of Energy and Distributed Power. Forbes.

(5 August 2024). Solar Power Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Technology. Fortune Business Insights.

Sanderson, Christopher. (30 June 2024). The Power of Standards: How IEEE-1547 Shapes Our Energy Future. LinkedIn.

Will Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Change How We Get Our Energy? European Parliament.

Prospects for Distributed Energy Systems in China. International Energy Agency.

Most connected users worldwide have at some point experienced the agony and frustration of a slow wireless network. However, speeds are increasing thanks to IEEE Standard 802.11ax and its impact on business and society as we know it.

Officially certified in 2020, IEEE 802.11ax, also known as “Wi-Fi 6,” delivers throughput per user via wireless LAN (WLAN) technology that’s four times faster than the preceding Wi-Fi standard. (IEEE 802.11ac, known as “Wi-Fi 5”, was introduced in 2013.) Offering increased bandwidth, more efficient use of channels and router technology, the ability to conserve power through a proactive “Target Wake Time” feature, and updated data encryption capabilities, IEEE Standard 802.11ax is poised to significantly enhance the speed and reliability of wireless networks.

Over the last several years, wireless connections have especially suffered in high-density environments. Large numbers of devices are connected to a network in such places. The increased adoption of internet-connected devices worldwide contributes to the growth of these environments. Furthermore, advances in technology have driven more companies to modernize their wireless networks. Those trends are only expected to continue. Research firm Markets and Market Data projects the global Wi-Fi market to rise in value from US$12.3 billion to US$31.3 billion by 2027.

High Efficiency, Reliable Wi-Fi is Critical to Industries Across the Board

In our current global Wi-Fi landscape that continues to both expand rapidly and advance technologically, the need for speed and high efficiency is more imperative than ever to industries of all kinds. Check out these examples.

According to a recent study by The International Association of Conference Centres (IACC), nearly 60% of meeting planners surveyed claimed they wouldn’t prioritize a venue unless they had a guarantee of internet performance.

Thanks to the adoption of Wi-Fi 6, airports will no longer struggle to reconfigure their networks when travelers download content and check emails. In essence, it prevents overloading the building’s wireless network just prior to boarding.

Automotive

In the automotive industry, Wi-Fi 6 will more quickly and comprehensively generate telematic data. This can include engine performance, braking and steering systems, and real-time traffic conditions. Moreover, features such as surround-view cameras and roadside assistance will benefit. This will allow car manufacturers to enhance safety and tailor service packages for drivers. Additionally, car repairs can get underway faster. Wi-Fi 6 will enable car dealers and repair shops to connect wirelessly to a vehicle’s on-board diagnostics. This allows them to identify problems remotely and prepare a repair estimate even before the customer comes into the shop. Furthermore, Wi-Fi 6 will also be a boon for in-car ‘infotainment’. It will support the real-time speed required for streaming content.

Healthcare

In the healthcare arena, the use of telemedicine rose precipitously during the pandemic. Many medical practitioners and patients continue to use it. At the same time, more medical devices (such as x-ray and MRI machines) are going wireless, which places additional data demands on wireless networks. With Wi-Fi 6, healthcare facilities operating such equipment remotely will be able to transmit data with greater speed and reliability. They can also place mission-critical equipment on a different band, and better optimize their wireless capabilities.

Other Industries

Manufacturing and logistics companies with Wi-Fi 6 capabilities can run diagnostics and maintenance on equipment remotely. This helps reduce costly downtime in the manufacturing, supply chain, quality control, and distribution functions.

Additional uses are areas such as the educational and the defense industries. In both these sectors, training in “real-life” situations is often conducted in simulated settings for safety and/or cost reasons. Wi-Fi 6 can enable greater access to in-depth, real-world simulations for training purposes.

Wi-Fi 6 Expectations

The bottom line?

In an economy where the speed and quality of network connections can drive the user experience and ultimately dictate a company’s success, Wi-Fi 6 holds promise in a variety of fields. Global consultant Deloitte states that Wi-Fi 6 will be “indispensable to the future of enterprise connectivity” across all connected industries.

Are You Up to Speed on Wi-Fi 6?

The course program, IEEE 802.11ax: An Overview of High-Efficiency Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6), takes learners on the latest step in a journey of continuous innovation in wireless local area networks (LAN) standards. In it, expert instructors discuss IEEE Standard 802.11ax, the underlying technology of the latest Wi-Fi 6 products.

Unlike previous amendments (e.g., IEEE Standard 802.11ac and IEEE Standard 802.11n), which were focused mainly on increasing the peak throughput, 802.11ax focuses on achieving Higher Efficiency (HE). It improves metrics that reflect user experience, such as average throughput per station. This was achieved by better physical layer efficiency and spectrum utilization. Flexible multi-access and scheduled transmission schemes also contribute. Increasing the spatial reuse and improving interference management between neighboring networks, particularly in dense environments, were key.

This training provides an overview of the features and optimizations introduced by IEEE 802.11ax to the Physical (PHY) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers. The first part of the program focuses on the PHY layer. The second part focuses on the MAC layer.

Resources

What Is 802.11ac? Cisco.

Badman, Lee. What’s the difference between 802.11ac vs. 802.11ax? Tech Target.

Serrano, Jesus. (4 January 2023). 6 WiFi Trends to Watch Out For in 2023. Galgus.

Kerravala, Zeus. (11 October 2021). Why Businesses Need to Upgrade And Modernize Their Wi-Fi Networks. Forbes.

Wi-Fi 6 Industry Impact Report. Qualcomm.

Tang, Kevin. (16 February 2022). Wi-Fi is Essential for Driving Automotive Transformation. Wi-Fi Alliance.

(29 September 2022.) Telehealth in the Pandemic—How Has It Changed Health Care Delivery in Medicaid and Medicare? U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Dohnalek, Mark. (18 June 2021). Wi-Fi 6: What it Means and Why it Matters for New Product Development. Supply Chain Management Review.

Hupfer, Susanne. Bucaille, Ariane. Mazumder, Sayantani. Westcott, Kevin. (1 December 2021). Wi-Fi 6: Unsung, Underexposed—and Indispensable to the Future of Enterprise Connectivity. Deloitte Insights.

A number of key tech trends are dominating industry headlines in 2023. They’re disrupting a diverse range of industries. This signals the world’s entry into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (“Industry 4.0”). This era will be marked by rapid change to technology, industries, societal patterns, and processes. These changes are driven by increasing interconnectivity and smart automation.

Are you up to speed on these trends?

Wi-Fi 6

Officially certified in 2020, IEEE Standard 802.11ax™ enhances the speed and reliability of wireless networks. (It is especially effective in high-density environments where a large number of devices are connected to a network.) This standard represents the underlying technology of the latest Wi-Fi 6 products.

According to Network World’s Neal Weinberg, “Wi-Fi 6 has quickly become the de facto standard for wireless LAN technology (WLAN) superseding Wi-Fi 5, and delivers improved performance, extended coverage and longer battery life compared to Wi-Fi 5.” Thanks to its more efficient quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and spectrum utilization, he expects Wi-Fi 6 to deliver a nearly 40% increase in pure throughput.

Impacting everything from telehealth and security to defense, food service, manufacturing, the automotive industry, and much more, IEEE Standard 802.11ax ushers in a new era in remote imaging, surveillance, and smart communications in today’s highly connected landscape.

Configuration Management

As part of an alarming and ongoing trend, Security Magazine reported that global cyber attacks in 2022 increased by 38% over 2021 levels. Based on similar findings in a recent Allianz Risk Barometer report, Forbes contributor Chuck Brooks concurred that cyber security threats remain a top issue for organizations. This is true even amid other recent worldwide challenges. Specifically, “cyber perils are the biggest concern for companies globally,” Brooks said. “The threat of ransomware attacks, data breaches, or major IT outages worries companies even more than business and supply chain disruption, natural disasters, or the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which have heavily affected firms in the past year.”

Configuration management (CM) is among an organization’s best defenses against this growing threat. According to cybersecurity provider UpGuard, CM principles help optimize servers, networks, operating systems, and other IT assets. They also enhance the consistency and traceability of configuration changes, minimizing the risk of data breaches.

Benefitting a diverse range of industries— from finance and healthcare to engineering, automotive, defense, and many others— CM helps build IT systems that better manage and respond to critical incidents. It enhances safety, security, and reliability.

Time Sensitive Networking

Fueled by a set of IEEE 802® standards known industry-wide as the “TSN toolset,” time sensitive networking enables data traffic of time-critical applications to be carried over a network shared by various kinds of applications having different Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. According to CISCO’s white paper entitled “Time-Sensitive Networking: A Technical Introduction,” “TSN technology is centrally managed and delivers guarantees of delivery.” In the case of autonomous vehicles, for example, TSN helps provide the quick processing and clear communication needed for the safe and accurate operation of everything from the steering wheel and brakes to anti-lock/anti-slip functions and road-scanning systems. And in the world of industrial automation, TSN helps ensure connectivity and real-time quality of service to mission-critical industrial applications involving robots, smart sensor/meters, intelligent manufacturing, and more.

Because it allows engineers and technicians to determine the exact time it will take for traffic to travel across a network (achieving what’s known as “determinism”) and also assesses delays in the process, TSN will deliver tremendous benefits to a diverse range of industries that rely on rapid and reliable connectivity, including industrial automation, manufacturing, automotive and aerospace, telecommunications, entertainment, and more.

Internet of Things (IoT) Security

According to Statista, the number of IoT-connected devices globally is expected to triple from 9.7 billion in 2020 to over 29 billion in 2030. While this trend reflects greater global connectivity than ever, it also exposes this rapidly growing number of devices to a broad range of threats. Such threats arise if they’re not properly protected. Because IoT attacks present a variety of risks, the need for and value of robust IoT security has never been more imperative. An understanding of the evolving legislation behind IoT security and the need for best security practices will impact everyone. This includes product developers and device manufacturers to engineers, smart city planners, and more.

Let IEEE Help You Sharpen Your Skills and Prepare for the Future

Don’t fall behind in 2023! Stay on top of these major trends and technologies by staying up to date with IEEE. You can find training on a variety of hot topics by browsing the IEEE Learning Network, an online platform featuring hundreds of resources.

Resources

Weinberg, Neal. (24 May 2022). What is Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and why do we need it? Network World.

UpGuard. (1 August 2022). What Is Configuration Management and Why Is It Important? UpGuard Website content..

Brooks, Chuck. (21 January 2022). Cybersecurity in 2022 – A Fresh Look at Some Very Alarming Stats. Forbes.

Anderson, Joy LePree. (20 January 2023). Global Cyberattacks Increased 38% in 2022. Security Magazine.

(2017). Time-Sensitive Networking: A Technical Introduction. CISCO White Paper.

Vailshery, Lionel Sujay. (22 November 2022). Number of Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices worldwide from 2019 to 2021, with forecasts from 2022 to 2030. Statista.

Energy grids provide electricity to millions of homes and businesses via a complex and vulnerable network of power plants, transmission lines, and distribution centers. Ensuring the grids run as intended is a priority for all who work in the power and energy sector. As innovative technologies, new opportunities, and safety issues arise, the National Electrical Safety Code® (NESC®) evolves to address concerns. The latest edition, NESC 2023, protects both the public and utility workers, as it is the authoritative code for ensuring the continued practical safeguarding of utility facilities.

Prevailing Threats & Projections

As the growing number and severity of extreme weather events make headlines worldwide, utilities are wisely focused on grid resiliency. Power outages triggered by major storms have doubled in the past twenty years and experts at Colorado State University predict an above average 2022 storm season with 19 hurricanes. 

Also this year, the number of cyber security risks to critical infrastructure have escalated—disrupting or compromising our lives by taking down nuclear, energy, financial, or technology sectors. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, even a short-lived attack on the power grid could cause substantial interruptions to security systems and important lines of communication. 

One of the largest frontiers in the power and energy field today is the development and implementation of smart grid technology and clean energy. The smart grid market is projected to grow US$103.4 billion by 2026, as governments around the world have imposed several supportive policies and mandates that focus on implementing smart grids and spreading awareness about energy conservation. 

According to an article from the Union of Concerned Scientists, removing barriers to energy storage is key to a clean energy future. Having enough energy storage will help support the massive number of renewables that will be added to the grid in the coming decades.

Highlights of NESC 2023

Published by IEEE SA and updated every five years to stay current with changes in the industry and technology, the NESC specifies best practices to safeguard the electric supply and communication utility systems at both public and private utilities. The NESC is continuously evolving to embrace new technologies, and the Code reflects potential impact of recent and emerging technologies. 

Notable changes to the 2023 NESC include:

• Significant revisions covering batteries, addressing new battery technologies, energy storage, and backup power.
• A new section for photovoltaic generating stations with rules to accommodate large-scale solar power projects.
• The Code further clarifies the use of non-hazardous fiber optic cables.

“The 2023 NESC includes updates throughout, many of which address emerging technologies such as solar and wind energy, distributed energy/microgrids, batteries and energy storage, and wireless small cell networks,” said Nelson Bingel, chair of the NESC Committee.

Stay Current with NESC 2023

Help your company to comply with the latest guidelines. The NESC® 2023: National Electrical Safety Code training is a complete seven-course program NESC program online through IEEE Xplore and on IEEE Learning Network. This course series aims to educate power utility professionals on the rules, regulations, and changes in the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). Presented by industry leaders who helped write the standard, this course program takes an in-depth look at the NESC and covers the Code in its entirety.

Connect with an IEEE Content Specialist today to learn more about this program and how to get access to it for your organization.

Interested in the program for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network.

Resources

BusinessWire. (3 August 2022). IEEE Publishes 2023 National Electrical Safety Code. BusinessWire.

Certec Corporation. (15 August 2022). The importance of critical infrastructure protection in the energy sector. Power Engineering.

Copeland, Mark. (1 August 2022). Innovating Grid Resilience from the Outside In. PowerMag.

 MarketsandMarkets Research Pvt. Ltd. (18 August 2022). Smart Grid Market Size Projected to Grow $103.4 Billion by 2026 | at a CAGR of 19.1%. GlobeNewswire.

Pereira, Guillermo. (17 August 2022). Removing Barriers to Energy Storage is Key to a Clean Energy Future. Union of Concerned Scientists.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is more present in our lives than ever. With varied uses, AI can predict what we want to see as we scroll through social media, as well as help to solve global challenges like hunger, environmental changes, and pandemics. This technology has countless applications in the real world. A McKinsey survey illustrates that AI adoption followed an upward trajectory in the year 2021 and continues to do so. According to the survey, “56 percent of all respondents report AI adoption in at least one function.”

However, AI technology is not always beneficial—AI can violate privacy, AI-generated output cannot always be explained, and AI can be biased. When the data feeding an AI system is not representative of the diversity and plurality of our societies, it can produce biased or discriminatory outcomes.

An often-cited example is facial recognition technology. Used to access mobile phones and bank accounts, it’s also being increasingly employed by law enforcement authorities. With emerging problems accurately identifying women and darker-skinned people, facial recognition is far from being perfected. This is not surprising when you look at how AI is developed: only 1 in 10 software developers worldwide are women. Furthermore, developers come overwhelmingly from western countries. 

Hardcoding Ethics into AI

Humans can be biased, but people possess the ability to recognize how their conclusions may be biased, discriminatory, or unethical. While there is some recent debate over the “sentient” qualities of AI programs, they cannot “think” or “feel”. AI performance depends entirely on its coding. Because AI does not have this meta-cognitive ability, it is up to people to override unethical decisions when they arise. Unethical AI is not a consequence simply of programming deficiencies, but rather of not fully considering how ethical requirements should be incorporated into the learning algorithm during development. 

Organizations using AI need to become more proactive and formulate actionable AI ethics policies by thinking about ethics from the start. This approach already is deemed essential to cyber security products, where “security by design” development principles drives the need to assess risks and hardcode security from the start. This mindset should be applied to the development of AI tools so these can be deployed responsibly and without bias. This process will be critical as societies and cultures change over time, and AI products should always reflect current values.

How to Create an AI Ethics Policy 

Aligning AI ethics is not just a moral responsibility, it is also a business imperative. It requires action to build an AI ethics-aware culture. Reid Blackman, CEO of Virtue, recommends instilling actionable ethics into AI systems by following these seven guidelines: 

1. Bring clarity to AI standards
2. Increase awareness among everyone in the organization
3. Thoroughly incorporate AI ethics into team culture
4. Make sure there are AI experts as part of an AI ethics committee
5. Introduce accountability
6. Measure everything— set key performance indicators (KPIs) to track whether your organization is meeting its goals for AI standard adoption
7. Gain executive sponsorship

Prepare for an AI Future

The AI market size is expected to grow and surpass US$1,597 billion by 2030. Organizations and technology professionals should prepare for a changing landscape when it comes to the future of AI.  

Get a jumpstart on learning about ethics in artificial intelligence systems. Check out Artificial Intelligence and Ethics in Design, a five-course program from IEEE that provides the background knowledge needed to integrate AI and autonomous systems within their companies or to their customers and end users.

Contact an IEEE Account Specialist to get organizational access or check it out for yourself on the IEEE Learning Network.

Resources

Bedzow, Ira. (30 June 2022). What It Takes to Create and Implement Ethical Artificial Intelligence. Forbes.

Boston Consulting Group (BCG). (7 July 2022). 87% of Climate and AI Leaders Believe That AI Is Critical in the Fight Against Climate Change. PR Newswire. 

Chui, Michael et al. (8 December 2021). The state of AI in 2021. McKinsey.

Henderson, Emily. (10 June 2022). Using artificial intelligence to discover new antivirals against COVID-19 and future pandemics. New Medical.

McKendrick, Joe. (10 June 2022). 7 Steps to More Ethical Artificial Intelligence. Forbes. 

Mubarik, Abu. (20 June 2022). This is how former Wall Street trader Sara Menker from Ethiopia is using AI to remove world hunger. Face 2 Face Africa. 

Precedence Research. (19 April 2022). Artificial Intelligence Market Size to Surpass Around US$ 1,597.1 Bn By 2030. GlobeNewswire.

Ramos, Gabriela and Koukku-Ronde, Ritva. (22 June 2022). A new global standard for AI ethics. UNESCO.

Smith, Wesley. (26 June 2022). Five Reasons AI Programs Are Not ‘Persons’. Mind Matters News.

Yu, Eileen. (30 June 2022). AI ethics should be hardcoded like security by design. ZD Net

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are evolving fast. However, ethical standards that ensure these systems don’t harm the public, such those that aim to prevent unintentional biases based on the data these systems are trained on, have been less quick to evolve. According to a global survey conducted by MIT Sloan Management Review, which polled over 1,000 executives, 82% of managers in organizations with at least USD $100 million in annual revenues agreed or strongly agreed that responsible AI (RAI) should be included in their top management agenda. At the same time, only 50% reported that RAI is a part of their top management’s agenda. 

How can organizations that develop or use artificial intelligence ensure RAI is not just an afterthought? A recent panel of global AI experts, organized by MIT Sloan Management Review and global consulting firm BCG, concluded with the following takeaways:

• Leadership needs to understand why RAI is important to the organization’s strategy. Otherwise, RAI may never make it into the agendas of the organization’s major decision makers.
• Determine whether RAI is part of your AI strategy or a part of your wider organizational goals, such as corporate responsibility. Without an understanding of this, leadership may not fully grasp that it should be integrated into their larger agenda.
• Look at RAI as an urgent need that must be integrated now. Otherwise, you may miss valuable opportunities to prevent risk and harm down the line.

What are the Fundamental Principles of AI Ethics?

Understanding the core principles of AI is the first step to developing an effective AI standards framework. Such a framework should also align with an organization’s mission. It should also align with any regulations the organization may be affected by through its implementation of the AI system. According to TechTarget, the basic principles of ethical AI include:

1. Fairness: The AI system does not contain biases and functions equally well for all groups 
2. Accountability: The AI system has ways to identify who is responsible across different stages of the AI life cycle if something goes wrong. It also provides ways for humans to supervise and control the system
3. Transparency: When the AI system makes a decision, it allows humans to understand why it came to that conclusion. This is essential for building trust
4. Safety: The AI system is equipped with effective security controls

Incorporating These Principles into AI Systems

During an interview with Analytics India Magazine, Layak Singh, CEO of Artivatic AI, an insurance platform, said the company reduces biases in AI by defining the business problems it wants to solve while considering end users. They then configure data collection methods to be able to incorporate diverse perspectives.

“We also ensure that we clearly understand our training data, as this is where most biases are introduced and can be avoided,” Singh said. “With that aim, we also ensure an ML [machine learning] team that’s assorted as they ask dissimilar queries and thus interact with the AI models in various ways. This leads to identifying errors before the model is underway in production. It is the best manner to reduce bias both at the beginning and while retraining models.”

Additionally, there is a major focus on feedback as his company keeps feedback channels, such as forum discussions, open in order to run continual audits and upgrades.

Ensuring AI systems are ethical is becoming essential to building trust with clients and customers. Don’t wait until that trust is already broken— start developing an ethical AI standards framework today.

Incorporating AI Standards at Your Organization

An online five-course program, AI Standards: Roadmap for Ethical and Responsible Digital Environments, provides instructions for a comprehensive approach to creating ethical and responsible digital ecosystems. Contact an IEEE Content Specialist to learn more about how this program can benefit your organization.

Interested in getting access for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network (ILN) today!

Resources

Krishna, Sri. (20 April 2022). Talking Ethical AI with Artivatic’s Layak Singh. India Analytics Magazine. 

Kiron, David, Renieris, Elizabeth, and Mills, Steven. (19 April 2022). Why Top Management Should Focus on Responsible AI. MIT Sloan Management Review.

Kompella, Kashyap. (1 April 2022). How AI ethics is the cornerstone of governance. TechTarget.

The new wireless networking standard 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) delivers enhanced wireless technology in dense environments where it can more effectively overcome interference from cells on the same channel. An even newer version of Wi-Fi 6, dubbed “Wi-Fi 6 Extended” (Wi-Fi 6E), could deliver even better service.

As Jerry Jackson in PC Mag reports, Wi-Fi 6E provides faster speeds and lower latencies than Wi-Fi 6 and earlier versions. At the time of announcement, the IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard “was limited by law to a wireless spectrum that only covered the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands”. These 2.4GHz bands have just three non-overlapping channels— meaning you, your household, and your neighbors, all share bandwidth.

Since multiple devices are competing for bandwidth, signals are often lost. However, after the Federal Communications Commission unanimously voted to make the 6GHz band available for unlicensed use in April 2020, significantly more airwaves opened, which routers can use to broadcast Wi-Fi signals.

Hence, Wi-Fi 6E expands on Wi-Fi 6 to cover 6GHz frequency.

“The opening of the 6GHz band is the biggest spectrum addition to Wi-Fi since 1989,” writes Jackson. “The jump from 5GHz to 6GHz might not sound like much, but it essentially quadruples the amount of airwaves (14 additional 80MHz channels, and seven additional 160MHz channels) available for routers and smart devices. That means less signal interference.”

What Are the Technical Benefits of Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 is expected to bring a number of technical benefits that will “enable use cases beyond what is possible today,” states Tim Pohlmann, CEO of IP Analytics, an IP intelligence tool. According to Pohlmann, these benefits will include: 

• Connected venues and cities: Wi-Fi 6 BSS Colouring technology will guarantee resistance to interference— even in public places with a high density of devices such as event venues and universities. With its larger bandwidth, Wi-Fi 6 can deliver consistent real-time data exchange while allowing thousands of people to connect.
• Connected cars: Wi-Fi 6 enables larger bandwidth that will let vehicles exchange real-time information. Furthermore, Wi-Fi 6’s target wake time (TWT) feature allows for lower battery consumption. This means Wi-Fi sensors in traffic lights or buildings will only “wake up” when needed.
• Connected factories: Wi-Fi 6 technologies OFDMA and MU-MIMO will support “more IoT devices to operate unimpeded on the network, and thus means that millions of machine components can be connected and real-time data points operated at low-power consumption.”
• Connected homes: Wi-Fi 6 enables 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz to operate at the same time, delivering high bandwidth and low latency for high-definition video systems, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) devices, high-quality streaming platforms used for, conference video calls and gaming.

“Wi-Fi 6 will likely become the dominant access choice for indoor networks on account of improvements in speed, latency and higher density of connected devices,” states Pohlmann. “It is also the ideal system in spaces where access points will serve more users.”

However, he notes that Wi-Fi 6 must exist alongside 5G to support “use cases at home, while driving, at the office, outside or when working remotely.” While many argue that Wi-Fi 6 and 5G will be competitors, Pohlmann believes that they will work in tandem and complement each other in many applications. Furthermore, it is unlikely that a sole technology would support all connectivity.

Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6 Extended are still developing. However, the ability to overcome service issues in high-density environments will undoubtedly spur advancement. 

Improving Quality of Experience with IEEE Std 802.11ax™

The work on High Efficiency Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) in IEEE Std 802.11ax™ started in 2013 as a new amendment to the IEEE 802.11 WLAN standard. A goal of the new amendment is to address dense deployments characterized by a large number of access points and stations placed in close proximity in a limited geographical area. Such usage scenarios impact the quality of experience (QoE) for latency-sensitive applications such as voice-over-Wi-Fi™ and video conferencing.

Learn More About Wi-Fi 6

Enroll in our upcoming live two-course program, IEEE 802.11ax: An Overview of High Efficiency Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6), which will provide an overview of the features and optimizations introduced by IEEE 802.11ax to the physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers, which lead to the improvements in Wi-Fi. Purchase this course program by 17 February for the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the instructors. Part One will take place on 21 Feb from 12-3pm ET, and Part Two will take place at the same time on the following day.

Plus, check out this on-demand virtual event from IEEE Educational Activities and IEEE Standards Association that describes new IEEE 802.11ax features such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access and Uplink multi-user transmissions together with Physical (PHY) and Medium Access Control (MAC) enhancements specific to IEEE 802.11ax to improve QoE.  Watch now!

Resources

Jackson, Jerry. (7 October 2021). What Is Wi-Fi 6E? PC Mag. 

Pohlmann, Tim. (2021). Who’s ahead in the WiFi 6 patent race. I am.