IoT (Internet of Things) & Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication
M2M Set to Explode with Emergence of Ultra-Wideband and 5G Networking
M2M communication is the data flow among people, devices, and systems. The data will be interpreted as information for remote control and monitoring. Three basic elements for M2M are:
- Embedded Processor for storing data
- Communication Technology for transfer of data
- Management Applications for monitoring and control
M2M stands for machine-to-machine, mobile-to-machine, or man-to-machine communication. Generally stated, M2M are the connections that allow all aspects of the physical enterprise to communicate: knowledge workers, business applications, and remotely dispersed assets and equipment.
More specifically, M2M refers to the combination of machine connectivity, communications, and information technology needed to connect machines or assets to applications. As such, M2M is a tool to improve business processes, monitor business assets, and/or generate new revenue.
A machine can be defined as anything with mechanical, electrical, electronic, or environmental properties. Examples include manufacturing machinery, refrigeration systems, telecommunications equipment, server cabinets, data centers, HVAC systems, storage tanks, and security equipment. Industry-specific assets like utility equipment, natural gas compressors and pipelines, traffic management systems, and restaurant and convenience store equipment can also be considered machines in the context of M2M.
Modern machines increasingly contain computers that store information. They may also have inbuilt radios to transmit/retrieve information that makes the automatic operation of home/industrial/business/medical equipment safer and more efficient. The information can be critical to detecting and remedying isolated system failures before they can become more widespread or cause irreparable damage. Even if machines do not contain computers, they can be attached with sensor radio devices to provide physical information. Moreover, should the devices be out of range of each other, there will be a need to route the information/. As such, both point to point and point to multi-point communication is necessary for M2M. Bluetronix swarm technology provides a complete solution for M2M by integrating its innovative, intelligent routing algorithm into radio devices.
It’s now possible for your refrigerator to talk to your stove and your alarm system to your car, and you could control all these machines and systems on one network. This is a new networking trend known as machine-to-machine, or M2M, which will become even more powerful as ultra-wideband and 5G networking becomes more ubiquitous. M2M leverages wireless networking technologies like sensing and MANET to much wider applications, safeguarding and controlling not just singular devices, but entire arrays of devices. This aligns with Bluetronix vision, and as exhibited in the Figure below, we are developing products to realize that vision:
Fig. Bluetronix modules in devices to provide M2M communication capability (Source M2M Easy)
Even though machine networking is still in an early phase, its impact can be impressive. With widespread availability of cheap computer chips combined with easily accessible wireless phone networks, no machine, no matter how lowly, need ever be lonely again. The advent of machine networking, also sometimes called “grid computing,” eventually will change nearly every facet of business.
A survey by San Francisco-based The FocalPoint Group found that more than two dozen M2M firms reported having 23 million devices linked by wireless networks in 2004. Those firms predict huge growth in business every year. Market research has also predicted that in the near future there may be as many machines communicating on wireless networks as people.
The consulting firm McKinsey & Co predicted that, spurred on by the proliferation 5G and ultra-wideband communication, by 2030, machine-to-machine devices could account for more than 70% of all connected devices.
The move is intended to be a disruptive technology that will remake many existing business models, he said.
White papers on our products and technologies are available upon request. E-mail us at innovation@bluetronix.net or call 440.247.3434.