Introduction

The industrial sector is rapidly adopting new technologies for automation, control, and monitoring processes. Two of the most popular technologies are the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M). These two technologies have become buzzwords in the context of industry 4.0 and are often used interchangeably. However, IoT and M2M are different in several ways that affect their suitability for industrial applications.

In this post, we will compare IoT and M2M technologies, highlighting their pros and cons in the context of industrial applications.

Definition

IoT and M2M technologies are often confused, but they are not the same. IoT refers to devices and systems that are connected to the internet, have unique identifiers, and can communicate with each other. IoT allows devices to share data among themselves, which can then be analyzed to drive insights and automate actions.

M2M is a subset of IoT that refers specifically to machine-to-machine communication. M2M systems use wired or wireless networks to connect machines to each other, enabling them to share data and control each other's actions. Unlike IoT, M2M does not require internet connectivity since the communication can take place within a local network.

IoT vs. M2M: Which is better for Industrial Applications?

Connectivity and Network Architecture

IoT devices rely on cloud servers or gateways to route data between devices. In contrast, M2M devices use a client-server architecture, in which a central server acts as a hub to collect and route data between machines.

The client-server architecture of M2M allows for more efficient communication, as devices don't need to connect to cloud servers to communicate with each other. M2M is also more decentralized, meaning that data can be processed locally without relying on a remote server, reducing latency and ensuring system continuity.

However, IoT devices have a more expansive network architecture than M2M, as they can connect to both local and remote servers. This makes IoT more scalable, enabling industrial systems to be deployed across a wide geographic area, which can be beneficial for large-scale systems.

Security and Reliability

Since M2M systems are internal networks, security threats are lower than for IoT devices that rely on internet connectivity. However, the internal network of M2M devices can also make it harder to secure the communication between machines, especially if the communication takes place over a wired connection.

IoT devices, on the other hand, are exposed to a higher number of security threats, as data communication occurs over the internet. However, IoT devices can use a protocol called Secure Socket Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) to encrypt data, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept the communication.

When it comes to reliability, M2M devices have an advantage, as they are not dependent on internet connectivity, which can be unreliable in some areas. M2M can also handle large volumes of data without requiring high bandwidth, while IoT devices require higher bandwidth and continuously connected internet.

Data Processing and Analysis

The vast amount of data generated by industrial systems can be overwhelming, and the processing of this data to generate insights is a vital part of industrial processes.

IoT devices are better suited for processing large volumes of data due to their ability to connect to remote servers, which have more computing power than local machines. IoT devices can also use machine learning algorithms to analyze data streams in real-time, enabling quicker decision-making.

M2M devices are limited to processing data locally or on a central server when internet connectivity is available. This can delay decision-making, especially when the data requires extensive processing.

Conclusion

Both IoT and M2M technologies have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to industrial applications. While IoT is more scalable and better equipped for data processing and analysis, M2M is more secure and reliable, especially in areas with unreliable internet connectivity.

Ultimately, the choice between IoT and M2M depends on the specific industrial application, data volume, security requirements, and analysis needs. Therefore, a thorough analysis of the requirements-related to the specific use case should be carried out before selecting the appropriate technology.

References

• Bandyopadhyay, D., & Sen, J. (2011). Internet of things: Applications and challenges in technology and standardization. Wireless personal communications, 58(1), 49-69.

• Rao, B. S., Thomas, S., Preejith SP, & Shalan K. (2015). Machine-to-Machine communication protocols for home automation systems: a review," International Journal of Computer Applications, vol. 120, no. 11, pp. 13-20, 2015.

• Tanwar, S., Kumar, N., & Tyagi, S. (2015). Internet of Things (IoT): Architecture, Protocols, and Applications. Springer.