IoT VS M2M: The Journey of Evolution

The world of the Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly evolving. We all are living in the world of data-driven and connected machines. We are surrounded by smart and intelligent devices that can seamlessly interact with each other. However, the real question is in what language or protocol does all these connected devices will communicate with the Internet. The desire of connected devices has given birth to IoT M2M and that’s their very essence, i.e. connecting devices to communicate in a better manner.

The most important thing for operators to understand is that M2M and IoT both refer to connecting devices. While M2M refers to isolated machine-to-machine communication, IoT refers to a wider variety of devices that automate and manage communications. Both IoT and M2M are connectivity solutions for enterprises but connect different things to achieve connectivity differently.

Internet of Things (IoT): The Internet of Things is the concept of connecting any device to the Internet and with each other. The IoT is a giant network of connected devices that helps people collect and share data anywhere and anytime. In a nutshell, it can be defined as a system where the Internet would connect things in a physical world to each other using hardware, software and other network connectivity. According to Ericsson Mobility Report November 2019, "In the immediate future year 2025, more than 24.9 Billion Internet of Things (IoT) connections are forecasted compared to the estimated human population of 8.1 Billion people."

Machine-to-Machine (M2M): Machine-to-Machine communication is a form of machine and data communication that involves one or more organizations. The process of connecting these machines does not necessarily require any human interaction. M2M can be considered as an integral part of IoT. According to Strategy Analytics, the global M2M industry size is forecast to grow to around 200 Billion US dollars in revenue by the year 2020.

Internet of Things (IoT) VS Machine-to-Machine (M2M)

How to achieve connectivity?

The main difference between IoT and M2M is the method of connectivity. Both, IoT and M2M have different ways of connecting their devices. IoT communicates through the standard-based IP networks to interface device data to a cloud. M2M depends on point-to-point connection utilizing the hardware of the devices that communicates through the cellular network.

What are the devices we can connect?

IoT is more than just device connectivity. It integrates web applications and establishes a connection to the cloud, whereas M2M systems are often isolated, stand-along pieces of connected equipment.

Scalability:

IoT, being a cloud-based architecture, is inherently more scalable than M2M. IoT’s cloud-based architecture discards the need for hard-wired connections and makes device connectivity much simpler.

How they utilize data?

IoT and M2M, both have the potential to improve business performance by remotely connecting the collection of data. However, they both have different ways of using the data. Data in M2M systems are majorly leveraged in maintenance applications. M2M data are utilized in point solutions in service management applications.

In IoT, the system integrates devices and service data with big data, analytics, and business mobile applications. Along with maintenance, IoT also helps improve business processes and operations.

Here are key differences between the Internet of Things and Machine-to-Machine:

Internet of Things:

• Devices communicate using IP networks
• Data delivery is relayed through a middle layer hosted in the cloud
• Unlimited integration options
• Data is shared with other applications to improve user experience
• Scope of a large number of devices
• Vertical and horizontal technology integration
• Devices require an active Internet connection
• Back-and-forth communication
• Manages multiple applications

Machine-to-Machine:

• Point-to-point communication usually embedded within hardware
• Devices use cellular or wired networks
• Limited integration options
• Data collected is not shared with other applications
• Limited devices in storage
• Vertical technology integration
• Devices do not necessarily rely on Internet connection
• One-way communication
• The main purpose is to monitor and control

Conclusion:

IoT and M2M is a never-ending battle. Both technologies enable machines to communicate, collect, store and exchange data, and perform tasks with minimal human intervention. M2M has been implemented to achieve the utility purpose, whereas IoT gives you more flexibility to scale for the future of your business. IoT and M2M are very different from each other but envision a world where all devices are endowed with smart capabilities.

Ashwin Patil is a passionate content marketer who writes on technology, tech trends, tech reviews.