IoT and M2M: What are the differences?
This is more about complementarity than differences. IoT (Internet of Things) is a broader technological umbrella that includes M2M applications. Indeed, IoT encompasses various technologies and types of hardware: the objects (sensors), connectivity, data and its management, exploitation applications, and finally, networks. M2M specifically refers to mobile networks, including traditional and regulated technologies such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and soon 5G. It can therefore be considered an original branch of IoT.
M2M encompasses several components: a communicating module/object, a platform to manage the objects, and a business application that processes the data. Today, we find M2M networks ubiquitously in our daily lives: radars, e-readers, and electronic payment terminals are just a few examples. These are all small devices capable of communicating, with limited human intervention.
The rise of M2M networks in all sectors
The end of the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), the arrival of LTE-M, the implementation of 5G, and the development of sectors such as Smart City favor the rise of M2M. M2M applications have no boundaries. Capable of meeting numerous industrial needs and true vectors of technological transformation, they are used everywhere around the world. However, M2M networks remain well regulated by national directives, harmonized at the European and global level.
M2M high-speed and long-distance networks first found success in the USA with the advent of e-books and connected e-readers. In Europe, France is one of the historical markets of M2M, where it began with the management of professional fleets, especially for trucks.
Today, M2M is used in the industrial sector, both in France and internationally and in various sectors of activity. It can respond to multiple use cases, for example:
- Automotive, with fleet management of vehicles, data collection on driving behavior, etc.
- Energy, for the real-time retransmission and management of energy, electricity, gas, and water consumption.
- Smart City, for the energy management of buildings as well as lighting control or temperature measurements in public spaces. In France, the main use cases for Smart City include connected parking meters, streetlamp management, waste container monitoring, and the development of video surveillance.
- Health, for teleconsultation, especially in rural areas, as well as home hospitalization to alleviate hospital overcrowding. Many applications are created in this sector every day.
- Tourism, with mobile WiFi hotspot solutions, sectors of tourism, but also transport and events can benefit from internet connectivity on several devices without downloading additional software.
Different IoT networks to meet all business needs
IoT networks differ from each other in their range power, energy consumption of objects, data capacity, level of service, etc. It can sometimes be difficult for companies to choose the most relevant networks for their project. Several types of networks exist, and each corresponds to a need:
Short-range networks (RFID, WIFI, Bluetooth, etc.), these complementary technologies have a more limited network coverage and are used locally and mostly in the form of small private networks. Most “consumer” connected objects use these technologies.
Low-power, long-range networks: LPWA technologies, for Low Power Wide Area, allow objects to be connected over extended areas with an energy autonomy of several years (more than 10 years in some cases). Opening the door to many uses and easy to install without impacting production chains, these networks are used by industrial connected objects that do not transmit too heavy data. Networks like LoRaWAN or NB-IoT belong to this category. They increase the range of connectable objects, possible use cases, and new business models.
Long-distance, high-speed networks: these are the “classic” cellular networks (traditional 3GPP technologies, used mainly by mobile operators such as 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE-M, and soon 5G). These technologies allow significant mobility, and can – in case of data unavailability – resort to SMS communication.
The various developments in the M2M network sector have revolutionized the technical uses of industries and professionals today.
A network inherent to each IoT project
IoT and M2M projects constitute a structural transformation, and therefore a significant investment, companies must therefore choose sensors and networks that are precisely adapted to the data they wish to be processed. This choice will be made in particular based on the nature of the information, the desired rate, and the need for immediacy. Use cases are numerous, and the company should approach a trusted partner for the development of the project.
In terms of security and video surveillance, for example, companies need to manage large data volumes in real-time – a long-distance, high-speed technology, like 4G, will be the best option here to collect information quickly over large geographic areas. On the other hand, a simple alarm or a motion detector will not need high bandwidth, but continuity of services that could be assured by SMS in data resilience. Each sensor uses a different M2M technology; it’s all about the right composition. The same project can involve different types of networks. That’s why interoperability is essential when choosing sensors; the entire ecosystem must share common languages that allow them to communicate with each other.
Security at the core of IoT and M2M projects
To protect against cyberattacks, companies are increasingly attentive to the security of sensors. This actually depends relatively little on local risks at the level of sensors and connected objects themselves, but rather on external attacks and the overall ecosystem. IoT and M2M projects involve multiple technologies and stakeholders; it is the duty of the network administrator and their partners to master and regulate each of their applications.
The LoRa network – a long-distance, low-power network technology – for example, has three levels of security. It is a symmetric encryption mechanism based on three keys: one primary authentication key and two secondary keys, one associated with transport and the other with the object’s data. Some operators, such as Bouygues Telecom, also add additional layers of security, such as encryption key management systems operated by a trusted third party.
A customized project and dedicated support
To ensure the success of an IoT or M2M project, it is crucial to call on a qualified operator with a network of recognized partners, who can guide the company in the choice of different technologies and the most suitable sensors – both from a perspective of overall performance and cost optimization.
These high-stakes and strategic projects are highly technical. To support companies optimally, operators need to understand the company’s business and its challenges in detail, to propose the most suitable solution for its specific need. Depending on the business uses and constraints of the solution, experts will guide you to an optimal technology. Sometimes, the same sensor will use two different technologies to ensure continuity of services.
It’s not just about meeting a simple need for network coverage, but rather about finding a combination of technologies that will provide an efficient network and integrate and connect the different sensors and applications.