2. What is M2M Technology?
M2M quite simply stands for machine to machine, and
is a relatively straightforward concept, though one that
can be everything from very simple to extremely
complex when it comes to its implementation. In short,
M2M is about how machines can communicate with
one another, without necessarily requiring a human
middleman to relay the information. It’s a hugely
important technology that’s now ubiquitous and can be
seen in any home or office.
3. M2M is not a new technology, primarily because it
doesn’t actually require any wireless technologies or
complex digital devices. A wired connection between
two machines can still be considered an M2M
connection, and indeed the very first iterations of this
technology used phone lines to communicate.
However, in the modern world, M2M usually refers to
machines that communicate using things like WiFi or
mobile networks. In this article, we’re going to take a
look at what technology underpins M2M, and how
it’s applied in the real world.
4. M2M technology
M2M generally centers around the concept of telemetry.
This is simply where sensors of varying types will collect
information, and then relay it to a central point of some
description. In the past, this central point may have been
a person or a personal computer. The data would be
interpreted and then used. This is still often the case
today. However, modern M2M systems allow for far more
complexity, allowing machines to communicate with one
another and make decisions quickly.
In older M2M systems, wired connections might have
been the method of choice or direct radio signals
between two machines. Now however it’s more common
that machines will use wireless networks such as WiFi or
mobile networks to communicate. This allows far fewer
limitations when it comes to distance, giving system
designers huge flexibility in collecting information and
allowing various machines to communicate with one
another.
5. What is M2M communication
M2M, which stands for machine-to-machine
communication, refers to the technology that
connects remote machines using the internet. It is
used broadly to describe the technology that
enables network devices to autonomously
exchange information.
6. How M2M works
Machines in a network make up an M2M network,
which is similar to a LAN or WAN network. That is
why they are often swept under the blanket term ‘the
Internet of Things’, or IoT, despite being exclusively
used to allow machines, sensors, and controllers to
communicate.
These devices send information they collect back to
other devices on the network. Users, or any other
intelligent control unit, can assess the network and
issue appropriate instructions to network connected
devices.
7. M2M technology relies on software-controlled
communication between machines and devices.
Special applications translate information into data
relevant to the end user.
This data is analyzed and monitored according to
device specifications. Certain data can trigger
automated actions, while manual actions can be
triggered by machines and users from anywhere,
8. M2M system components
The main components of an M2M system include:
Sensors (e.g. RFID sensor)
Wireless network or cellular communications link
Internet connected computer
System software for data processing
Engineers place sensors in strategic locations,
where they can record and send data in real-time to a
wireless network which is connected to the internet.
They can use specialized software to monitor the
entire process, analyzing the incoming data.
11. IoT services are offered through both a centralized and
distributed architecture. From a technical point of view,
M2M is limited to a centralized structure alone. Therefore,
the network tier of the Internet of Things is hierarchical,
whereas M2M’s is flat.
When it comes to data collection and exchange, in
machine-to-machine communication data goes to the
data center. In contrast, with IoT we observe traffic
distribution with some of the data going to the data center
12. Application of M2M
M2M technology is all around us. It’s in our homes,
on the commute to work, in the way that we shop,
exercise and entertain ourselves. Here are just a
few examples of M2M, or IoT technology that you
might come across on a daily basis:
Telemetry
The most popular type of M2M communication that
we know is telemetry. The practice has been used
since the turn of the new century to transfer
operational data from connected devices. At first,
telephone lines, and later, radio waves, were
used to transfer measurements gathered from
monitoring instruments in remote locations.
13. Telemetry has found widespread use in the insurance
industry. Wearable devices with sensors and smart
devices are used to relay data to insurance firms, who
adopt flexible usage-based premiums.
The Internet and improved standards for wireless
technology have expanded the role of telemetry from
pure science, engineering and manufacturing to
everyday use in products like home heating units,
electric meters and Internet-connected appliances.
Products built with M2M communication capabilities are
often called ‘smart’.
14. The smart home
The Internet of Things and M2M technology are closely
associated with the concept of the ‘smart home’. The term
refers to the control and automation of lighting, heating (smart
thermostats), ventilation and air conditioning, security, as well
as home appliances (washers, dryers, ovens, refrigerators and
freezers), where remote monitoring and control is implemented
with the help of M2M technology.
Manufacturers like LG and Samsung are already developing
smart home appliances to help consumers improve quality of
life. For instance, washing machines with in-built M2M-
capability notify when the washing cycle is complete. Smart
refrigerators order depleting groceries from shops.
15. Healthcare IoT
Healthcare is another prominent domain where M2M
technology is applied. Healthcare IoT comes in many
forms including e-health, m-health, telemedicine and
assisted living. Patients with non-life-threatening
conditions can be equipped with sensors that monitor
blood pressure or blood sugar levels. Additional
connected devices can track a person’s movement,
detect when they are unwell and alert a healthcare
worker about their condition.
They can be sent home and observed remotely by
medical staff, who can interpret the data. Hospitals
thus benefit from freed up hospital beds and doctors
are able to dedicate time to more urgent cases.
16. Retail M2M
Retail is a great field for M2M technology
development, where it is used for in-store product
placement and replacement, kiosks and digital
signage, vending machine management, parking
meters and wireless payment systems.
17. Manufacturing
There are many reasons why smart manufacturing is
a good idea. Digital control systems, asset
management and smart sensors can maximize
operational efficiency, safety and reliability, while
integration with smart building systems and smart
grids can optimize energy consumption and reduce
the carbon footprint.
M2M tools allow business owners to be alerted on
their smartphones when an important piece of
equipment needs servicing, so they can address
issues as quickly as they arise. Sophisticated
networks of sensors connected to the Internet even
order replacement parts automatically.
The manufacturing industry therefore relies on
technology to ensure that costs are managed properly
and processes are executed efficiently. And, of
