What is M2M
M2M refers to data communications between machines. M2M is most commonly translated as Machine-to-Machine but has sometimes been translated as Man-to-Machine, Machine-to-Man, Machine-to-Mobile and Mobile-to-Machine. Among cellular telephone service providers, M2M telemetry or telematics that is accomplished using networks, especially public wireless networks.
Most often, M2M systems are task-specific. Meaning, a given system is purpose-built for just one specific device, or a very restricted class of devices in an industry. This is one of the indicators of the M2M market still being in its infancy, as a unified intercommunication standard has yet to evolve. Functions are duplicated -- each purpose-built system repeats many functions already implemented in similar systems.
Wireless M2M is machine to machine communication through wireless technologies such as CDMA.
Where can M2M be used?
Below are just some of the area that are gaining benefits through M2M:
- Telecommunication
- IP Internetworking
- Wireless and Mobile
- Asset Management
- Process/Factory Automation
- Building Automation
- Telemetry
- Mobile Learning
- Supply Chain and Logistics Management
- Security and Surveillance
- Telematics/In-Vehicle Applications
- Sensing and Instrumentation
- e-Business and m-Business Solutions
What are the benefits of M2M?
These are just some of the benefits that can be gained through M2M
- On-going revenues throughout the product lifetime
- Preventive maintenance and QoS by cost-effective support
- Centralized service support and data management
- Less down time increases revenues
- Remote diagnostics and Real-time statistics
- Fast response by outsourcing troubleshooting
Where is M2M technology used?
M2M provides benefits to many applications, across various industries, such as Asset Monitoring, Utilities, Transport, Retail and Security.
What makes up an M2M solution?
Usually an M2M solution is made up of several components:
- Device(s) or sensor(s) to collect data and/or monitor changes.
- A central server to send and / or receive data transmitted by the device(s) or sensor(s).
- Connectivity (either fixed line or wireless) to connect the device or sensor to a central server.
- A modem to allow data exchange between the device(s) or sensor(s) and the central server.
- An application and database to process the data sent and received.
- An application to ensure security of the data transmitted and to monitor and manage the connectivity to the device or sensor network.
What are the benefits of wireless M2M?
Flexibility
Devices that are wirelessly connected to a network are not limited to a physical location. This gives you the flexibility to move them should you need to, for example if a vending machine is not getting much footfall and therefore revenue in one location, you can simply place it elsewhere. Devices in remote locations where it’s difficult to run cables can also be attached to a wireless network quickly and easily.
Mobility
Mobile devices can connect into a network, which is not possible with a fixed line network, allowing data communication with all devices.
Access to information
Wireless networks deliver real-time information to mobile devices enabling information to be received or sent whenever and wherever it is required, so organizations have access to live information for effective and fast decision-making.
Independent network
A wireless network can be quickly and easily deployed into a building or location without the need for integration with the existing fixed line network, thereby delivering an independent secure network.
Speed
A wireless network can be deployed much more quickly than a fixed network as no cabling is needed between devices. This in allows devices to be active more quickly and can provide cost savings.
Cost
There are cost savings related to the speed of deployment, the elimination of cabling costs, and the reduction in communication costs, as CDMA - cellular is more cost effective than PSTN/fixed line.
How do wireless M2M machines communicate?
M2M wireless solutions use wireless modems to communicate using CDMA cellular - is “always on”, allowing it to communicate data immediately, and at much higher speeds. CDMA airtime/data usage is billed according to the amount of data used and not the amount of time the connection lasts.
What is IP technology?
An IP address allows computers to communicate with one another on a network. An IP address can be private, for use on a LAN, or public, for use on the Internet or other Wide Area Network.
A static or fixed IP address is created when a user is guaranteed - by either their Internet Service Provider or IT Administrator - to have the same IP address every time they connect to the Internet. If this is available in the public domain, it is known as a Public Fixed IP address. This is the typical configuration if you have a PC connected to the Internet.
However, devices on wireless networks,, such as mobile phones and M2M devices are assigned a dynamic IP address by the Mobile Operators. If the IP is not available in the public domain, it is known as a Private Fixed IP address.
Can I control the connectivity to my devices?
With M2M DataSmart, you gain real-time visibility and control over your wireless network, using the M2M Web Portal. This Internet-based portal allows you to check the connectivity of your devices, wherever they are in the world, and provides you with management tools to seamlessly control your devices and connections.
How do I start working with M2M DataSmart?
It's simple – whether you're a systems integrator or an OEM looking to build connectivity into your solution, please call us on (858) 350.5855 or email us at general.info@m2mdatasmart.com |
