Wider proliferation and innovation in Machine to Machine communication (M2M) sector
Recently, the government has taken steps for wide dissemination and innovation in the machine-to-machine communication (M2M) sector.
Steps taken to strengthen the M2M system:
- Guidelines have been issued for registration of M2MSP service providers, and WPAN/WLAN connectivity service providers.
- A 13-digit numbering system has been introduced exclusively for M2M/Internet of Things (NOT) devices connected via mobile networks.
- Additional spectrum (1 MHz) has been made available for M2M/IoT applications.
Machine to Machine (M2M) communication refers to automated applications. In this, machines and equipment communicate through a network without any human intervention.
Under this, equipment (such as a sensor or meter) is used to capture an event. It is then forwarded through the network (wireless, wired or hybrid) to further applications. Finally the application converts the captured event into meaningful information.
Applications of M2M:
- Transport and Automation: Fleet Management Services, Fuel Consumption, GPS, Tracking etc. Smart meters in utilities – for water, energy and fuel consumption, smart grid – for load monitoring etc.
- Manufacturing: In asset management as needed solutions, in smart sensors, monitoring/diagnostics for industrial controllers etc.
- Healthcare: Smart-body sensors, remote patient monitoring, etc.
- Security and Surveillance: In alarm system monitoring, in surveillance through video, in real time based surveillance etc.
Challenges before M2M:
- ‘Open Standard Protocol’
- ‘Delay related constraints’
- ‘Wireless communication oddity’
- ‘Lack of resources’
- ‘Physical Security’
- Software
- ‘Global connectivity’
- ‘Expansion Ability’
Source – The Hindu
