Protocols for Machines to Protocols Of, By and For Humans - TheInternetOfValue

The internet began as a network for machines—a way for computers to communicate efficiently. Protocols like HTTP and models like OSI and TCP/IP have created an infrastructure optimized for data exchange and efficiency. However, the next step in this evolution is The Internet of Value (IoV), a protocol stack that centers on human interactions and wellbeing—capturing, validating, and enhancing human contributions.

In this blog, we explore how The Internet of Value evolves these foundations through VHTTP, a human-readable protocol stack designed for equitable value exchange.

Part 1: Foundations - OSI and TCP/IP Models

Before diving into the IoV stack, it’s crucial to understand the OSI and TCP/IP models that laid the groundwork for digital communication.

The OSI Model: Conceptual Blueprint

The OSI Model (Open Systems Interconnection) organizes network communication into seven distinct layers, each handling a specific function. It’s a theoretical blueprint that shows how data flows through a network:

1. Physical Layer - Transmits raw data over physical hardware.
2. Data Link Layer - Manages data transfer between nodes (e.g., Ethernet).
3. Network Layer - Routes data using IP (Internet Protocol).
4. Transport Layer - Ensures end-to-end communication (e.g., TCP).
5. Session Layer - Manages sessions between applications.
6. Presentation Layer - Translates data formats and encrypts information (e.g., SSL/TLS).
7. Application Layer - Interfaces for user-level interactions (e.g., HTTP).

TCP/IP Model: Real-World Application

The TCP/IP Model simplifies the OSI framework into four layers:

1. Link Layer - Combines the OSI’s Physical and Data Link functions.
2. Internet Layer - Routes packets across networks (e.g., IP).
3. Transport Layer - Manages communication reliability (e.g., TCP/UDP).
4. Application Layer - Supports user-facing protocols like HTTP.

While the OSI is an idealized structure, TCP/IP is the practical implementation that powers the web.

Part 2: Evolving the Application Layer with a Hierarchical Stack

The application layer has evolved from simple data and transaction protocols to more complex systems. To fully understand The Internet of Value, we’ll explore how each sub-layer builds upon the last, eventually leading to the Human Interaction Layer (VHTTP).

1. Value Exchange Layer

This foundational layer manages the secure and autonomous transfer of digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies and fiat transactions

Protocols Explained:

• Bitcoin & Ethereum: Blockchain technologies that enable decentralized value transfer. They automate trust by removing intermediaries and ensuring security through cryptographic validation.
• UPI (Unified Payments Interface): A widely adopted real-time payment system, especially in countries like India. It allows bank-to-bank transfers instantly and securely, simplifying and unifying financial transactions.

Key Role:

The Value Exchange Layer establishes the backbone for digital transactions, making it efficient for machine-to-machine communication. While it forms the base of the digital economy, it operates without any personal or human context—purely transactional.

2. Goods & Services Transaction Layer

Building on the value exchange, this layer extends beyond digital currencies to the movement of physical and digital goods and services.

Key Protocol: Beckn Protocol

• Beckn Protocol: An open-source and decentralized protocol designed for seamless goods and services exchange. It standardizes APIs, enabling various service providers (e.g., e-commerce, logistics, mobility) to connect and transact within a unified network.
• Function: Ensures interoperability and efficiency, allowing businesses and consumers to interact directly. It automates and streamlines processes like ordering, delivery, and service fulfillment.

Significance:

This layer enables e-commerce and service-based platforms to operate efficiently by providing a decentralized infrastructure. However, it still focuses on automation and remains machine-oriented, lacking human nuance.

3. Human Interaction Layer (VHTTP)

At the top of the stack is the Human Interaction Layer. This is where digital protocols meet human wellbeing and contributions.

This layer introduces a comprehensive protocol designed for human-centric interactions and value measurement, built upon three key protocols:

• Value Capture Protocol: Captures human activity, including StartTime, EndTime, Activity, and Proof Of Activity. It validates individual contributions, ensuring they are recorded accurately and consistently.
• Wellbeing Protocol: Adds a personal dimension to the captured time by evaluating aspects like physiology, emotions, feelings, thoughts, habits, and performance. It gamifies wellbeing, ensuring human contributions are measured for their impact on health and productivity.
• SAOcommons: This protocol provides an organizational/community context to the captured performance data. It classifies activities into Learning, Earning, and Community Building, ensuring that individual efforts are connected to larger societal outcomes, creating sustainable and cooperative ecosystems.

We call this the VHTTP (Valuable Human Time Transfer Protocol)

Purpose:

The VHTTP stack (Human Interaction Layer) extends the application layer beyond transactional activities, valuing human interactions and contributions, and linking them to wellbeing and community impact.

Conclusion: A Shift Towards Human-Centric Protocols

From the foundational OSI model to the real-world TCP/IP implementation, the internet has always been about connecting machines and wallets efficiently. However, as the digital economy matures, the need to integrate human value becomes crucial.

The Internet of Value is the next evolution, bridging the gap by transforming human contributions into valuable, validated, and meaningful interactions. It goes beyond automation and efficiency, making the internet work for people by enhancing their wellbeing and creating equitable systems for collaboration.

Call to Action

We talk so much about the human interactions so this protocol can't be launched as a github repo / JSON file / Whitepaper in a hacker forum but made accessible to people so we have setup the offline art installation of the internet of value in Koramangala. Do come and visit us and continue this dialogue.

The installation will be open on Sundays with conversations about this better equitable economy we are envisioning, do join us!

https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/theinternetofvalue-protocol-book-walkthrough/ET00388362