Introduction
IoT and M2M provide remote access for exchanging information among machines without human intervention. The key difference between IoT and M2M is that IoT connects any device to the Internet for better performance, and M2M is the connection of two or more two devices with the Internet for data sharing and analytics.
What is IoT (Internet of Things)?
The Internet of Things is the subsequent phase in the evolution of the Internet to connect every device, vehicle, and appliance to the Internet, with sensors embedded into almost everything. IoT services also include collecting and analyzing data from connected devices, enabling companies to gain insights into their operations. The market for IoT is expected to continue to grow with the increasing rate of adoption of IoT applications.
IoT is a network infrastructure that connects objects to the Internet to send and receive data. IoT is a recent concept where devices, applications, sensors, and actuators are connected via the Internet. The IoT network connects things such as streetlights, parking meters, home appliances, and even clothing with the Internet. The IoT allows these devices to communicate with each other and exchange data. These devices collect information from their surroundings and one another and send it to the network. The data can be accessed from a range of connected devices, including mobile phones, laptops, cars, and even fridges.
What is the Main Purpose of IoT?
The primary purpose of IoT is to create an intelligent environment for the users. IoT brings a revolution in the process of manufacturing and management in different sectors. It provides a new way to interact with objects in the real world by capturing real-time data from them. This data can be used to monitor, track, and control physical devices.
The primary purpose of IoT is to make life easier and more convenient. For example, IoT can help people take care of their pets, buy groceries, and do many other things without even having to leave their homes. This is because IoT allows users to control specific devices and appliances remotely.
IoT is defined as the interconnection of uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices within the existing Internet infrastructure. The interconnection of these embedded devices allows them to exchange data with each other and with traditional computers to enable them to be remotely monitored and controlled. IoT is believed to have the potential to connect people, places, and things in ways that have not been possible before. The IoT’s main aim is to develop societies by connecting all the technologies to create an interconnected world.
What is M2M?
M2M is a system that allows machines to communicate with each other and with humans. It is an extension of the Internet of Things (IoT) that allows for easier and more direct access to the data and functionality of connected devices. M2M is a standardized technology for managing and sharing the data and functionality of connected devices. It is used in applications such as metering, automation, tracking and tracing, healthcare, and many others.
Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is the exchange of information between machines. M2M is a network of physical objects capable of capturing information about their state, communicating that information over a network without requiring human interference, and using that information to control their operational behavior. The most prevalent form of M2M communication is data exchange between objects in a utility metering context, such as smart electric meters in homes and businesses.
What is the Primary Purpose of M2M?
The primary purpose of machine-to-machine communications is to enable machine-to-machine (M2M) interaction, which has been proposed as a specialized application of the Internet of Things (IoT). M2M communications allow for smart objects to communicate with each other without the intervention of humans.
For example, smart meters are independent devices that measure electrical power consumption in real time and communicate it wirelessly to the electric utility. A system of smart meters can provide the utility company with near-instantaneous information about power demands for a large area.
M2M communications is a rapidly developing technology, and it is expected to have a wide range of both immediate and long-term impacts on all areas of life. M2M communications are especially promising in the area of industry where there is an increasing demand for a more efficient, less expensive, and faster technology. It is anticipated that the use of M2M communications will decrease cost, time, and energy consumption. It can also increase safety, reliability, and quality.
Differences Between IoT and M2M (Tabular Form)
| Basis | IoT | M2M |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | Internet of Things | Machine to Machine |
| Communication | IoT sensors automation | Communicates directly between machines |
| Connection | The connection is via using various communication types | Point-to-Point Connection |
| Communication protocols | HTTP, Ftp, Telnet, etc are used | Communication technology techniques and traditional protocols are used. |
| Intelligence | Objects are responsible for decision-making | Observation of some degree of intelligence |
| Technology | Hardware and Software based technology | Hardware-based technology |
| Data Delivery | Depending on the Internet protocol | Devices can be connected through mobile or other networks |
| Internet Connection | An active Internet connection is required | Devices do not rely on an internet connection |
| Scope | Many users can connect at a time over the Internet | Communicate with a single machine at a time |
| Business Type | B2C(Business to Customers) and B2B(Business to Business) | Only B2B(Business to Business) is used |
| Open API support | IoT supports open API Integrations | M2M does not support open API |
| Data Sharing | Data is shared with applications that tend to improve the end-user experience | Data is shared with the communication parties themselves. |
Key Difference: IoT Vs M2M
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and others embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which enables these things to connect and exchange data, creating opportunities for more immediate integration between the physical world and computer-based systems.
With regard to M2M (machine-to-machine) communication, there are several differences. The M2M communications are used to connect machines to machines within the same cellular network. The IoT is used to connect machines to machines across different cellular networks.
Is There Any Similarity Between IoT and M2M?
With the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), the world is poised to become a global village. The IoT vision is to establish a network of interconnected devices capable of sharing data with each other via the Internet. Since IoT devices can communicate with each other, they can automatically be programmed to execute tasks. For example, you can set up your lights to come on automatically when it gets dark, or you can turn on your air-conditioner when your room gets hot.
One of the most important aspects of machine-to-machine communication is connectivity. If there is no wireless or wired connection between devices, they cannot communicate. An IoT has various protocols, technologies, and applications that are used for connectivity between devices.
First, we need to understand what IoT is and the meaning of M2M. IoT stands for The Internet of Things and is a network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity that enables these objects to connect and exchange data. M2M stands for machine-to-machine communication. It is a subset of IoT that deals explicitly with connections between machines. Machine-to-machine communication allows devices to communicate without direct human input.
M2M is all about connecting machines to the Internet so that they can communicate with each other, manage their tasks and data, and generally “do business” with one another. Likewise, IoT is all about connecting devices to the Internet to be monitored remotely by individuals or enterprises.
IoT devices are often used in industrial settings to monitor equipment performance, report operational data (such as temperature), or track assets (such as shipping containers). However, M2M communications are not limited to industrial settings; they can also be used in home automation applications such as controlling lights, locks, security systems, appliances, and more.
Conclusion
The connection is the big difference between the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M). While IoT is generally any device that connects to the Internet for better performance, M2M is usually a connection of two or more devices with the Internet for data sharing and analytics.
By definition, IoT includes just about any electronic device that communicates wirelessly with other devices in an effort to achieve a goal: manage scheduling and heating, turn off lights when someone leaves a room, and so on. M2M, on the other hand, is made by connecting two or more devices via the Internet with software installed on them to handle data saving and analytics. Machine-to-machine communication uses low-power and short-range wireless communications technology such as Device to Device (D2D) and Object object (O2O).
Applications of M2M are; Smart Grid; Retail; Remote Patient Monitoring; Agriculture; Smart Cities; Industrial Automation; Supply Chain Management, etc. Smart Grid, the term coined by the US Department of Energy (DOE) in May 2008, designates a smarter way to deliver electricity to the grid, beginning with intelligent meters used for billing. The global Smart Grid market is expected to be worth an estimated USD 134 billion by 2020. It ranks top among the top 10 industries with growth higher than other industries.
Retail provides accurate real-time information on the supply chain to consumers and improves customer service. The technology is also used in medical insurance claim verification. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) involves connecting patient monitoring devices and patient care information management systems for remote monitoring and improved patient care.
FAQs
Q.1: Is M2M an IoT?
Ans: M2M is a subset of IoT that deals explicitly with connections between machines M2M communication allows devices to communicate without direct human input. M2M is all about connecting machines to the Internet to communicate with each other, manage their tasks and data, and generally “do business” with one another. Likewise, IoT is all about connecting devices to the Internet to be monitored remotely by individuals or enterprises.
Q.2: What is the primary purpose of M2M?
Ans: The primary purpose of machine-to-machine communications is to enable machine-to-machine (M2M) interaction, which has been proposed as a specialized application of the Internet of Things (IoT).
Q.3: What is the primary purpose of IoT?
Ans: The primary purpose of IoT is to create an intelligent environment for the users. IoT brings a revolution in the process of manufacturing and management in different sectors. It provides a new way to interact with objects in the real world by capturing real-time data from them.
