Brain-to-Brain Communication Protocol B2BProtocol Receives IEEE Standardization: Cross-Platform Neural Signal Transmission Between Different Brain-Computer Interface Devices Achieved for the First Time

Brain-to-Brain Communication Protocol B2BProtocol Receives IEEE Standardization: Cross-Platform Neural Signal Transmission Between Different Brain-Computer Interface Devices Achieved for the First Time

IEEE officially approved the B2BProtocol (Brain-to-Brain Protocol) standard on August 25, 2030, the world's first international technical standard for brain-to-brain communication. The standard defines encoding, transmission, and decoding specifications for neural signals between brain-computer interface (BCI) devices from different manufacturers, enabling cross-platform direct neural signal transmission between devices from different makers.

B2BProtocol was jointly proposed by three BCI companies — Neuralink, BrainGate, and Synchron — through a 3-year standardization process. The protocol uses a layered architecture: the bottom layer handles standardized encoding of raw neural signals, the middle layer processes signal compression and encryption, and the application layer defines communication interfaces for different scenarios.

Neuralink co-founder Max Hodak stated at the standard release ceremony: "B2BProtocol is analogous to what TCP/IP is to the internet. Before B2BProtocol, each BCI company's device was an information silo. Now, neural signals can flow seamlessly between different devices, opening the door to brain-to-brain communication applications."

The standard's core innovation is the "Neural Signal Abstraction Layer." Different BCI devices collect neural signals in various formats (some record single-neuron spikes, others record brain field potentials). B2BProtocol defines a unified abstract representation of neural signals, encapsulating hardware differences in the device driver layer so that upper-level applications don't need to concern themselves with hardware details.

In initial tests, a paralyzed patient using a Neuralink device successfully sent a "thought message" to a researcher using a BrainGate device — a simple motor intention signal. The researcher's device received the signal and displayed the corresponding hand movement direction on screen. The end-to-end latency was 280 milliseconds, achieving cross-device brain-to-brain signal transmission for the first time.

Stanford University neuroengineering professor Krishna Shenoy noted: "B2BProtocol's standardization will accelerate innovation in the BCI field. Device manufacturers can focus on hardware improvements without worrying about compatibility issues."

However, brain-to-brain communication has also raised serious privacy and security concerns. If neural signals can be transmitted and stored, does this mean others' thoughts could be stolen or tampered with? The IEEE B2BProtocol working group stated that the standard incorporates three layers of security: neural signal encryption, identity authentication, and access control. Any neural signal transmission requires the sender's active authorization.

The standard's release is expected to drive rapid growth in the BCI market. Market research firms predict that the market for B2BProtocol-related devices will reach $12 billion by 2032.