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Machine to machine

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Machine to machine (M2M) refers to technologies that allow both wireless and wired systems to communicate with other devices of the same ability.[1][2] 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).[3] 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.[4]

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 IP 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.[5] These networks also allow an array of new business opportunities and connections between consumers and producers in terms of the products being sold.[6]

History

M2M has been around in different forms since the advent of computer networking automation.[CCSD 1]


M2M predates Cellular communication. It has been around and referred to as Telemetry, Industrial Automation, Scada among other terms.

Cellular has been recently attracting attention but sizable numbers of machines still use land lines - POTS, DSL, Cable to connect to the IP network. ( Rest of the History article needs to be revised to include the non cellular M2M Market which is much larger) The origin of M2M communications is cloudy because of the many different possibilities of its inception. It began around the year 2000 [citation needed], possibly earlier, when cellular technology first began to learn to connect directly to other computer systems. An example of an early use is OnStar's system of communication.[7] The year 2009 was important to the development of M2M technology, both in the U.S., and in Europe. <Needs Citation> 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.[8]

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[9] 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.[10] 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.[11] In the UK, Business MVNO Abica, commenced trials with Telehealth and Telecare applications which required secure data transit via Private APN and HSPA+ connectivity.

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.[12] 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.[13] In March 2010, Sprint and Axeda Corporation announced their strategic alliance for global M2M solutions.[14] In January 2011, Aeris Communications, Inc. announced that it is providing M2M telematics services for Hyundai Motor Corporation.[15] 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.[16]

A research study from the E-Plus Group[17] 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.[6]

Another application is to use wireless technology to monitor systems, such as utility meters. 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.[18] In Quebec Canada, Rogers will connect Hydro Quebec's central system with up to 600 Smart Meter collectors, which aggregate data relayed from the province's 3.8-million Smart Meters.[19]

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.[citation needed]

Telematics and in-vehicle entertainment is an area of focus for M2M developers. Recent examples include Ford Motor Company, which has teamed with AT&T to wirelessly connect Ford Focus Electric with an embedded wireless connection and dedicated app that includes the ability for the owner to monitor and control vehicle charge settings, plan single- or multiple-stop journeys, locate charging stations, pre-heat or cool the car.[20]

Open M2M initiatives

See also

References

  1. ^ "Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication Challenges Established (U)SIM Card Technology" - GD
  2. ^ "Machine to Machine (M2M) Technology in Demand Responsive Commercial Buildings"
  3. ^ "M2M: The Internet of 50 Billion Devices", WinWin Magazine, January 2010.
  4. ^ "Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communications", MobileIN.
  5. ^ "How Machine-to-Machine Communication Works", HowStuffWorks.com
  6. ^ a b "When Machines Speak", InfoWorld. Cite error: The named reference "Info" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  7. ^ "The Rise of the Machine-to-Machine Sector", IT Business Edge.
  8. ^ "AT&T, Jasper Wireless Join Forces to Connect New Categories of Consumer Electronics and Business Devices to Nation's Fastest Network", Jasper Wireless. Telematics devices as provided by companies like Ctrack allows data to be pushed from a vehicle or an asset using GSM and GPS to a server for use in a business intelligence application. Such information may include driver behaviour, asset condition and location.
  9. ^ About us - Telenor Connexion. Retrieved October 20, 2010.
  10. ^ Telenor Connexion Expands Machine-to-Machine Services Using Cisco IP NGN Infrastructure - Cisco Systems, February 9, 2010.
  11. ^ Global products and services development - Telefonica. Retrieved October 20, 2010.
  12. ^ M2M.com
  13. ^ Vodafone, Verizon Wireless and nPhase announce strategic alliance to provide global M2M solutions, Vodafone press release, 12 March 2010.
  14. ^ Sprint and Axeda Announce Alliance for Global M2M Solutions, Sprint press release
  15. ^ Telecommunications - Hyundai Selects Aeris Communications as Telecommunications Carrier, article in Telecommunications Community eNewsletter.
  16. ^ The Global Wireless M2M Market, Berg Insight.
  17. ^ http://www.telecompaper.com/news/article.aspx?cid=760808
  18. ^ "Gemalto's Innovative Machine-to-Machine Solution Receives '2009 SmartGrid Product of the Year' Award", Trading Markets press release
  19. ^ Hydro-Quebec chooses Rogers for wireless connectivity of smart meter collectors (17 June 2011)
  20. ^ "Ford Teams With AT&T to Wirelessly Connect New Ford Focus Electric" (Ford press release, 23 March 2011)
  1. ^ Consultative Committee for Space Data. "Packet Telemetry Service" (PDF). Packet Telemetry Service. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Retrieved May 1996. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
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