IoT (Internet of Things) and M2M (Machine to Machine communication) are both technologies that enable devices to communicate, but they differ in scope, purpose, and how they are implemented.
Scope and Definition:
- M2M (Machine to Machine communication) refers to direct communication between two machines or devices without human intervention. It has been used for decades in industries like manufacturing and logistics, where machines communicate using wired or wireless systems to perform specific tasks, like sending data from one machine to another.
- IoT (Internet of Things), on the other hand, is broader. It includes communication not only between machines but also between machines and people, cloud services, and data centers over the internet. IoT connects devices like home appliances, cars, and industrial equipment to the internet, enabling them to share data and work intelligently together.
Technology and Communication:
- M2M typically uses traditional communication networks such as cellular, Wi-Fi, or proprietary systems. The machines are often connected point-to-point and have a closed system, meaning that only the devices within that system can communicate with each other.
- IoT is built on the internet. It uses various communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more advanced technologies like LoRa (Long Range) and 5G. Devices in an IoT network communicate with each other and cloud-based applications, allowing for real-time monitoring, control, and data analysis. Unlike M2M, IoT systems are open, meaning they can connect with different types of devices and platforms across the internet.
Applications:
- M2M is commonly used in industries for specific tasks like monitoring equipment performance, managing logistics, and automating simple functions. For example, an M2M system might send data from a vending machine to a central system to signal when it needs to be restocked.
- IoT applications go beyond industrial use. IoT is found in smart homes (like controlling lights or appliances with a smartphone), health monitoring devices, connected cars, and even city infrastructure (smart traffic lights). It enables more advanced functions, such as analyzing data from multiple sources, predicting failures, and making decisions autonomously.
In short, M2M focuses on basic, direct machine communication, while IoT connects a wider range of devices over the internet for more complex and data-driven tasks. IoT builds upon M2M but takes communication and automation to a much higher level