[IP] : how does one define "capacity"

[David Farber <dave@farber.net>]

________________________________________
From: Joe Touch [touch@ISI.EDU]
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2008 9:39 AM
To: David Farber
Cc: ip
Subject: Re: [IP] Re:  how does one define "capacity"

Hi, Dave,

> From: Bob Frankston [Bob19-0501@bobf.frankston.com]
> Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2008 5:39 PM
> To: 'Craig Partridge'; David Farber
> Subject: RE: how does one define "capacity"
>
...
> Information is a complex concept.

Shannon (and I) would disagree.

> What is the measure we are using
> for capacity? Are bits the correct measure or is the measure
> something as vague as "entertainment value".

This confuses information with semantics, which Shannon took pains to
decouple for a reason.

...
> When I hear someone tell me what is possible – what the capacity is –
> I want to be able to say “let me try”. Today I have to limit myself to a
> choice of offerings from those who are afraid to try lest their business
> model collapses.

Perhaps what is being asked is "what is utility of a given capacity",
i.e., "what can you do with a bit"? Granted, that direction may be more
interesting for some, but it's also - like meaning - relative and
arguable for any definition. Information capacity is, fortunately, not.

Joe

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