March 12, 2019
MXC: The Networking Behind The Network Of Smart Cities
MXC Foundation (MXC) sets the framework for an open source and decentralized wireless network for all things in IoT using the blockchain. They have produced the first IoT token to adopt full blockchain integration, transitioning smart infrastructure into real-world applications for sustainable data interaction and urban management. Simply put, MXC is determined to lead the new wave of crypto focusing on Blockchain implementation and integration, which was highlighted when MXC was chosen by the Shanghai Government as their exclusive partner of the coveted Chinese “National Innovative Development Strategy.” A massive coup for the Berlin-based MXC, the agreement ensures exclusive access on the smart city data grid in Shanghai.
You Both Have Very International Backgrounds, How Did You Find Each Other?
Aaron: Xin reached out to discuss LPWAN (low power wide access network) and was looking for support from people who shared the vision of a decentralized world of data. He wrote on the Factory Slack and that’s how we got talking as part of the Factory Berlin community.
Xin: I kicked off this idea with another engineering friend of mine. We were just trying to raise funds, but we needed business and operational support. Through all this pinging on Slack, we found Aaron and it was a fit. It was that simple, then we started.
Aaron: After leaving my hometown of Brisbane, Australia, I started developing my craft in Berlin before moving to work abroad in the UK, Singapore, Brazil, and the Middle East. I developed a reputation for restructuring large companies, making them leaner, more efficient, and ultimately more profitable for digital and new age sectors. After being in the Middle East, I desperately missed the startup scene and made a conscious effort to move to the vibrant Berlin. I joined Factory Berlin and found it easy to make key connections in a short period of time.
What Is MXC And How Does It Change IoT And The Blockchain?
Aaron: MXC predominantly deals with device data transmissions and transactions. We’ve come to discover that both Bluetooth and WiFi are largely inadequate to assist in the modern day world of IoT. These days we are connected to everything from connected fridges, ovens, and assisted living devices 24/7. Bluetooth and WiFi weren’t built to cope with the world of devices we’re dealing with today. As a result, we get more interruptions and overloaded networks.
We focused on building an alternative for IoT called LPWAN and improve its network structure. With the MXProtocol and smart machine bidding processing is seamless and energy use is significantly lower. This is crucial as IoT continues to connect everything and everyone. We are the first company to put hardware onto the blockchain. This alone increases responsibility and accountability for people reporting and recording data on the network.
Xin: We’re passionate about more users on LPWAN, a free network, and to help promote it we’ve integrated a shared economy to the network, where literally anyone can get paid for outsourcing their network or selling data. For example, there’s a free Gateway at Factory Berlin in Mitte that is used frequently by Deutsche Bahn, that covers a 12km radius around Berlin. It is powerful, especially compared to the reach of a WiFi Router, it covers remote areas, facilitating transmissions for sprawling smart cities.
Aaron: We capture big aggregate data from objects and their sensors, it’s not personal data. It means that we try to measure everything from air quality to human movement for security or maintenance purposes, or CO2 emissions. There’s a lot of data that can be collected and used for environmental purposes.
“Shanghai is looking for solutions to manage their resources through a data network. Decentralization shouldn't be viewed as a replacement, but there's a big trend to use these decentralized access points alongside their other offerings to increase efficiency.”
You Have An Impressively International Set Of Use Cases. How Do You Handle Different Market Dynamics Or Cultural Differences With The Adoption Of Your Technology?
Aaron: You first notice the vibrancy of accepting new things. We are quite focused on Asian markets due to their willingness to accept new technologies. However, we focus more on needs and solve their problems. We don’t steer the conversation towards “Blockchain” or “Tokenization” buzzwords, rather we focus on solving real issues. We don’t define ourselves as a blockchain company, rather a solution company. At the end of the day, most people don’t care if you are using blockchain, tokenization, whatever it is, as long as you can actually solve the big problem. What we do means a lot for areas with low infrastructure.
Xin: There is really a beautiful thing in the IoT and BC world because these worlds have no real boundaries or cultures, a definition of countries. Sensors can be used by governments, things, individuals — but it is hardware, something everyone can use. From the perspective of services (like Baidu or Google), there should be boundaries. LPWAN and the MXProtocol are easier to sell because it’s understandable and useful, not limited by cultural differences or boundaries.
What's Next For MXC?
Aaron: Besides our big launch in Shanghai, we will continue in South Korea and New York City. A lot of infrastructure protocol will occur in those areas and more smart cities will emerge. We are also working with IBM and building up platform houses for other people to program and build whatever they wish MXC to be. It is about the users and their vision for the protocol.
Xin: The software is open source to make it the free, decentralized player in global networks. We make technology better by using it and through people interacting with it. It’s faster, cheaper, and beneficial for the users since programs are designed for their specific needs. The protocol can be something for everyone. It is an open contribution to a public network, not like WiFi where it is closed. To help drive innovation and players, we will also include industrial giants like IBM, but it all comes back to the democratization. LPWAN is decentralized by nature.
Their practical use case applications set a strong foundation for managing urban planning, big data transmission, and our everyday IoT vested lifestyles. As MXC Foundation continue to set the high industry standard with their MXC token and MXProtocol, they have unlocked the new wave of crypto by not only introducing hardware into the game but transitioning sustainable scenarios that include human interaction, bringing a complex technology to tangible grounds. In essence, they are making IoT and blockchain accessible by staying true to its tenants. By networking they have created an exciting democratized system and a transparent tool for the people (and the things), by the people, that’s fast, sustainable, and has no borders or boundaries to innovation.
