Internet of Things (IoT) Machine to Machine (M2M) Connections
May 18, 2016
IoT consists of meters, sensors and other machines connected to a network to generate efficiency and value across numerous applications. These machine to machine (M2M) connections will add network data loads that will create power, latency and capacity issues. Our M2M cellular boosters merely boost those mobile connections between machines that are inter-connected.
Sensors can for example be deployed through a building to report on lighting, heating and other ambient conditions. A more complex example would be a surgeon performing a remote operation getting a precise location for the incision from sensors in the body, and also using a robotic arm. Connected offices, homes, cars and cities could also benefit from IoT technology.
A question that has not yet been answered is how much latency and capacity these connected things in an IoT network will need. Connected parking meters will likely use less bandwidth than a person streaming video wirelessly and simple devices will only send the equivalent of a few text messages.
On other hand, systems such as collision avoidance systems in connected vehicles will have significant latency requirements. These systems typically need a latency of one millisecond to be effective. There are bound to be other applications that will drive additional bandwidth requirements.
Apart from latency and capacity issues, IoT will also have to deal with a power challenge. Any IoT sensor or device needs power from batteries or the electric grid. Having enough cost-effective energy that is reliable is another challenge that needs to be overcome.
As IoT is still emerging, different network requirements will appear based on different applications. IoT's exact uses will eventually evolve and will be integrated into the architectural requirements of 5G. It is however highly likely that networks of the future will have to offer access to numerous objects besides laptops, tablets and smartphones.
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4 comments
I’ve heard amazing stories of how remote operations allow surgeons to perform amazing feats of medical treatment, but I shudder at the thought of a network going down when a surgeon is operating on me. The Internet of Things is a marvelous concept, but I hope it is tested many times over before it is treated as a commonplace thing.
Thanks for the m2m examples. I’ve often wondered what those gadgets are on vending machines and now I know. This blog was a nice primer on internet of things and m2m communications. Who came up with Internet of Things? It sounds somewhat clunky as a phrase. Anyways, are there any from machine-to-machine to the internet of things pdf’s out there or pdf’s on the difference between iot and m2m? If so, please share a link. I’d like to get some additional information because these are interesting devices.
Quick question? Where did you get the picture for this blog. Very cool. I’ve been hearing more about collision control in motor vehicles and wonder where things are at now. I know this article was written in 2016, but I’ve been browsing, trying to find out everything I can about things to help my cell phone get better signals, whether it’s apps, cell phone boosters, or finding places with DAS installations. I would love to get an update.
The concept of machine to machine connections might come across as too Skynet-ish to people, but I’m blown away at the concept. The idea of smart machines communicating through cell technology is so cool. When it comes to machine to machine, I know there are cell phone boosters and DAS installations to enhance cell phone signals. Does that mean cell phone boosters AND DAS installations could be used to keep machine to machine communication working 100%?