Machine to Machine
Encyclopedia
Machine-to-Machine refers to technologies that allow both wireless and wired systems to communicate with other devices of the same ability. M2M uses a device (such as a sensor or meter) to capture an event (such as temperature, inventory level, etc.), which is relayed through a network (wireless, wired or hybrid) to an application (software program), that translates the captured event into meaningful information (for example, items need to be restocked). This is accomplished through the use of telemetry
, the language machines use when in communication with each other. Such communication was originally accomplished by having a remote network of machines relay information back to a central hub for analysis, which would then be rerouted into a system like a personal computer.
However, modern M2M communication has expanded beyond a one-to-one connection and changed into a system of networks that transmits data to personal appliances. The expansion of wireless networks across the world has made it far easier for M2M communication to take place and has lessened the amount of power and time necessary for information to be communicated between machines. These networks also allow an array of new business opportunities and connections between consumers and producers in terms of the products being sold.
In recent years, SMS
has become an increasingly important transmission mechanism for M2M communication, with the ubiquity of GSM and the relatively low cost of SMS being cited as advantages. Concerns have been raised over the reliability of SMS as an M2M channel, however the rise of direct Signaling System 7 (SS7) connected SMS gateways
, which can offer increased reliability and the ability to confirm delivery, have allayed many of these fears.
's system of communication.
The year 2009 was important to the development of M2M technology, both in the U.S., and in Europe.
In the United States
, AT&T
and Jasper Wireless entered into an agreement to both support the creation of M2M devices jointly. In conjunction, they have stated that they will be trying to further connections between consumer electronics
and M2M wireless networks, which would create a boost in speed, connectivity, and overall power of such devices.
In Europe
, the Norwegian incumbent Telenor
concluded ten years of M2M research by setting up two entities serving the upper (services) and lower (connectivity) parts of the value-chain. Telenor Connexion in Sweden
draws on Vodafone
's former research capabilities in subsidy Europolitan and is a market leader in Europe's market for services across such typical markets as logistics, fleet management, car safety, healthcare, and smart metering of electricity consumption. Telenor Objects
has a similar role supplying connectivity to M2M networks across Europe. In December, 2009, Spanish Telefonica
announced that they are also setting up a M2M entity in Madrid.
In early 2010 in the U.S., AT&T, KPN
, Rogers
, Telcel
/ America Movil
, Jasper Wireless began to work together in the creation of a M2M site, which will serve as a hub for developers in the field of M2M communication electronics. In February 2010, Vodafone
, Verizon Wireless
and nPhase (a joint partnership of Qualcomm
and Verizon) announced their strategic alliance to provide global M2M solutions that would offer their customers an easy way to roll out M2M solutions across Europe and the US. In March 2010, Sprint
and Axeda Corporation announced their strategic alliance for global M2M solutions. In January 2011, Aeris Communications, Inc. announced that it is providing M2M telematics services for Hyundai Motor Corporation. Partnerships like these make it easier, faster and more cost-efficient for businesses to use M2M. In June 2010, mobile messaging operator tyntec announced the availability of its high-reliability SMS services for M2M applications.
According to the independent wireless analyst firm Berg Insight, the number of cellular network connections worldwide used for M2M communication was 47.7 million in 2008. The company forecasts that the number of M2M connections will grow to 187 million by 2014.
A research study from the E-Plus Group shows that in 2010 2.3 million M2M SIM-cards will be in the German market. According to the study, this figure will rise in 2013 to over 5 million SIM-cards. The main growth driver is segment “tracking and tracing” with an expected average growth rate of 30 percent. The fastest growing M2M segment in Germany, with an average annual growth of 47 percent, will be the consumer electronics segment.
Another application is to use wireless technology to monitor systems, such as utility meter
s. This would allow the owner of the meter to know if certain elements have been tampered with, which serves as a quality method to stop fraud.
A third application is to use wireless networks to update digital billboards. This allows advertisers to display different messages based on time of day or day-of-week, and allows quick global changes for messages, such as pricing changes for gasoline.
Telemetry
Telemetry is a technology that allows measurements to be made at a distance, usually via radio wave transmission and reception of the information. The word is derived from Greek roots: tele = remote, and metron = measure...
, the language machines use when in communication with each other. Such communication was originally accomplished by having a remote network of machines relay information back to a central hub for analysis, which would then be rerouted into a system like a personal computer.
However, modern M2M communication has expanded beyond a one-to-one connection and changed into a system of networks that transmits data to personal appliances. The expansion of wireless networks across the world has made it far easier for M2M communication to take place and has lessened the amount of power and time necessary for information to be communicated between machines. These networks also allow an array of new business opportunities and connections between consumers and producers in terms of the products being sold.
In recent years, SMS
SMS
SMS is a form of text messaging communication on phones and mobile phones. The terms SMS or sms may also refer to:- Computer hardware :...
has become an increasingly important transmission mechanism for M2M communication, with the ubiquity of GSM and the relatively low cost of SMS being cited as advantages. Concerns have been raised over the reliability of SMS as an M2M channel, however the rise of direct Signaling System 7 (SS7) connected SMS gateways
SMS gateways
An SMS gateway is a telecommunications network facility for sending or receiving Short Message Service transmissions to or from a telecommunications network that supports SMS. Most messages are eventually routed into the mobile phone networks...
, which can offer increased reliability and the ability to confirm delivery, have allayed many of these fears.
History
The origin of M2M communications is cloudy because of the many different possibilities of its inception. It began around the year 2000, possibly earlier, when cellular technology first began to learn to connect directly to other computer systems. An example of an early use is OnStarOnStar
OnStar Corporation is a subsidiary of General Motors that provides subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security, hands free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics systems throughout the United States, Canada and China. A similar service is known as ChevyStar in Latin...
's system of communication.
The year 2009 was important to the development of M2M technology, both in the U.S., and in Europe.
In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, AT&T
AT&T
AT&T Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications corporation headquartered in Whitacre Tower, Dallas, Texas, United States. It is the largest provider of mobile telephony and fixed telephony in the United States, and is also a provider of broadband and subscription television services...
and Jasper Wireless entered into an agreement to both support the creation of M2M devices jointly. In conjunction, they have stated that they will be trying to further connections between consumer electronics
Consumer electronics
Consumer electronics are electronic equipment intended for everyday use, most often in entertainment, communications and office productivity. Radio broadcasting in the early 20th century brought the first major consumer product, the broadcast receiver...
and M2M wireless networks, which would create a boost in speed, connectivity, and overall power of such devices.
In Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, the Norwegian incumbent Telenor
Telenor
Telenor Group is the incumbent telecommunications company in Norway, with headquarters located at Fornebu, close to Oslo. Today, Telenor Group is mostly an international wireless carrier with operations in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and Asia, working predominantly under the Telenor brand...
concluded ten years of M2M research by setting up two entities serving the upper (services) and lower (connectivity) parts of the value-chain. Telenor Connexion in Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
draws on Vodafone
Vodafone
Vodafone Group Plc is a global telecommunications company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the world's largest mobile telecommunications company measured by revenues and the world's second-largest measured by subscribers , with around 341 million proportionate subscribers as of...
's former research capabilities in subsidy Europolitan and is a market leader in Europe's market for services across such typical markets as logistics, fleet management, car safety, healthcare, and smart metering of electricity consumption. Telenor Objects
Telenor Objects
Telenor Objects AS is a Norwegian service provider within Machine-to-Machine communication, and constitutes one of the two Telenors strategic initiatives to catch the market for M2M, or connected objects. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telenor ASA, the incumbent telecommunications company in...
has a similar role supplying connectivity to M2M networks across Europe. In December, 2009, Spanish Telefonica
Telefónica
Telefónica, S.A. is a Spanish broadband and telecommunications provider in Europe and Latin America. Operating globally, it is the third largest provider in the world...
announced that they are also setting up a M2M entity in Madrid.
In early 2010 in the U.S., AT&T, KPN
KPN
KPN is a Dutch landline and mobile telecommunications company, including both 2G and 3G mobile operations...
, Rogers
Rogers
-Places:Canada*Rogers Island *Rogers PassUnited States*Rogers, Arkansas*Rogers, California*Rogers, California, alternate name of Muroc, California*Rogers, Minnesota*Rogers, Nebraska*Rogers, Ohio*Rogers, Virginia*Rogers City, Michigan...
, Telcel
Telcel
Telcel is Mexico's largest mobile phone carrier, owned by América Móvil. Founded in 1989 and based in Mexico City, Telcel is the leading provider of wireless communications services in Mexico. As of December 31, 2006, Telcel's cellular network covered more than 63% of the geographical area of...
/ America Movil
América Móvil
América Móvil is a Mexican telecommunication company headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico. It is the fourth largest mobile network operator in terms of equity subscribers, one of the largest corporations in Latin America, and the world. America Movil is a Fortune 500 company...
, Jasper Wireless began to work together in the creation of a M2M site, which will serve as a hub for developers in the field of M2M communication electronics. In February 2010, Vodafone
Vodafone
Vodafone Group Plc is a global telecommunications company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the world's largest mobile telecommunications company measured by revenues and the world's second-largest measured by subscribers , with around 341 million proportionate subscribers as of...
, Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, is one of the largest mobile network operators in the United States. The network has 107.7 million subscribers as of 2011, making it the largest wireless service provider in America....
and nPhase (a joint partnership of Qualcomm
Qualcomm
Qualcomm is an American global telecommunication corporation that designs, manufactures and markets digital wireless telecommunications products and services based on its code division multiple access technology and other technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, USA...
and Verizon) announced their strategic alliance to provide global M2M solutions that would offer their customers an easy way to roll out M2M solutions across Europe and the US. In March 2010, Sprint
Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel Corporation is an American telecommunications company based in Overland Park, Kansas. The company owns and operates Sprint, the third largest wireless telecommunications network in the United States, with 53.4 million customers, behind Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility...
and Axeda Corporation announced their strategic alliance for global M2M solutions. In January 2011, Aeris Communications, Inc. announced that it is providing M2M telematics services for Hyundai Motor Corporation. Partnerships like these make it easier, faster and more cost-efficient for businesses to use M2M. In June 2010, mobile messaging operator tyntec announced the availability of its high-reliability SMS services for M2M applications.
According to the independent wireless analyst firm Berg Insight, the number of cellular network connections worldwide used for M2M communication was 47.7 million in 2008. The company forecasts that the number of M2M connections will grow to 187 million by 2014.
A research study from the E-Plus Group shows that in 2010 2.3 million M2M SIM-cards will be in the German market. According to the study, this figure will rise in 2013 to over 5 million SIM-cards. The main growth driver is segment “tracking and tracing” with an expected average growth rate of 30 percent. The fastest growing M2M segment in Germany, with an average annual growth of 47 percent, will be the consumer electronics segment.
Applications
Wireless networks that are all interconnected can serve to improve production and efficiency in various areas, including machinery that works on building cars and on letting the developers of products know when certain products need to be taken in for maintenance and for what. Such information serves to streamline products that consumers buy and works to keep them all working at highest efficiency.Another application is to use wireless technology to monitor systems, such as utility meter
Utility meter
A utility meter is any of the following metering devices used on utility mains:* electricity meter* water meter* gas meter...
s. This would allow the owner of the meter to know if certain elements have been tampered with, which serves as a quality method to stop fraud.
A third application is to use wireless networks to update digital billboards. This allows advertisers to display different messages based on time of day or day-of-week, and allows quick global changes for messages, such as pricing changes for gasoline.
Open M2M initiatives
- TIA TR-50 Engineering Committee (convergence layer standardization initiative)
- Machine-to-Machine Standardization Task Force {industry collaboration]
- BITXML (protocol)
- M2MXML (protocol)
- COOS Project (connectivity initiative)
See also
- Universal GatewayUniversal gatewayA universal gateway is a device that transacts data between two or more data sources using communication protocols specific to each. Sometimes called a universal protocol gateway, this class of product is designed as a computer appliance, and is used to connect data from one automation system to...
- Protocol ConverterProtocol converterA Protocol Converter is a device used to convert standard or proprietary protocol of one device to the protocol suitable for the other device or tools to achieve the interoperability...
- Plant Floor CommunicationsPlant floor communication- Overview of Plant Floor Communications :Plant Floor Communications refers to the control and data communications typically found in automation environments, on a manufacturing plant floor or process plant. The difference between manufacturing and process is typically the types of control...
- Tera-playTera-playTera-play is the next generation of connectivity supported by communications service providers. While triple play and quadruple play describe multiple communications services offered by the same company, Tera-play describes support for communications services between people and between machines...
External links
- M2M to Market Fast Wireless That Works
- "Connected World Conference -- Connecting Innovation to the World!!!" " Connected World Conference June 14-16 2011
- "Connected World Magazine -- The Leader in M2M info" Connected World Magazine
- "What is M2M Communications" at M2M Comm
- "Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and RFID available through Bharatbook" - PRLog press release
- "Sync My Ride, and Only Mine", M2M Magazine
- "Ericsson reflects on the future of a Networked World at the Abu Dhabi Media Summit 2010", Al Bawaba
- "How Satellite Tracking Systems Can Both Save and Make Money", Industry Week
- "Low-Cost Security Monitoring Using Satellite Telecommunication", "ESA"
- Machine-to-Machine M2M Technology Adaptive M2M | Machine-to-Machine Communication