Difference Between Machine To Machine Vs. Internet of Things

Although the phrases "Internet of Things" (IoT) & "Machine to Machine" (M2M) are sometimes used indiscriminately, they have different meanings. IoT refers to communication between internet-connected devices, whereas M2M pertains to connection between machines. IoT refers to a system of devices that can gather and exchange data. Thermostats, lightbulbs, automobiles, and heart monitors are just a few of these gadgets. These devices may be remotely controlled, and their data can be utilized to make forecasts, increase efficiency, and boost performance.

On the contrary hand, M2M refers to a system of machines that can interact among themselves outside the internet without the assistance of humans. This communication is frequently used in industrial environments where equipment must communicate data to operate effectively. So, what’s the difference? The following sections below give a quick rundown −

What is the Difference Between IoT and M2M?

Machine to Machine (M2M) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are two phrases that are sometimes used synonymously, although there is a significant distinction between them.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a collection of tangible things equipped with sensors and other connected devices to gather and share data. On the contrary side, a system of machines defined as M2M communicates with one another to share information and complete tasks.

IoT gadgets often cater to consumers, whereas M2M machines are more industrial. As an illustration, an IoT device may be a smart household appliance like a thermostat or security camera. Still, an M2M machine would be a manufacturing robot or an irrigation system for farming.

The primary distinguishing feature between the two is that IoT devices are designed and intended for human control, but M2M machines are autonomous and often don't require human interaction.

What are Some Examples of IoT and M2M?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the interconnection of physical things and gadgets with sensors and electrical components, allowing them to gather and share data. In addition to monitoring and controlling the equipment, this data may also be processed further to give insight into how to increase productivity or accomplish other goals.

M2M, on the other hand, often refers to machine-to-machine (M2M) communication that does not require human interaction. This can involve anything from operating a household appliance from a distance to monitoring machinery in a factory.

Some examples of IoT devices include −

• Smart thermostats

• Connected cars

• Wearables

• Smart home devices

• Medical devices

Some examples of M2M applications include −

• Factory automation

• Remote monitoring and control of equipment

• Telemetry

• Automatic meter reading

Benefits of IoT and M2M

IoT and M2M offer a wide range of advantages. We can gather enormous volumes of data that can be utilized to increase efficiency, save costs, and improve safety by connecting equipment and gadgets to the internet.

IoT may be used to track and regulate energy usage, saving money for both individuals and enterprises. Additionally, monitoring stock movements and inventory levels in real-time is possible, nullifying the requirement for operator intervention.

M2M technology is frequently employed in commercial settings, including process control and surveillance. We can automate jobs and processes by tying machines and gadgets together, which requires less human involvement. As a result, productivity benefits and enhanced efficiency may result.

Safety can also be increased by using M2M and IoT technology. For instance, we can get real-time notifications in the event of a fire by linking smoke detectors to the world wide web. Thus, evacuation processes can make better use of this information.

The Challenges of IoT and M2M

For businesses, emerging new technology can be the impetus for significant change; it could mean a new revenue stream. But with any new technology, there are always challenges to overcome and risks to mitigate to succeed. There is a distinction between the phrases "machine to machine" (M2M) and "Internet of Things," even though the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the term used to describe how linked everything is to everything else. Contrarily, M2M refers to machine-to-machine communication, which is conducted without the involvement of a human.

As many devices get online, the Internet of Things (IoT) has experienced phenomenal development in recent years. Due to the increased attack surface that must now be managed and secured, organizations face new issues. Industrial applications where human intervention may be challenging or impossible frequently employ M2M communication. As a result, maintaining upgrades and patching schedules and security and dependability issues may become problematic.

IoT vs. M2M

Basis	IoT	M2M
Type of Connection	Network connection	Point to Point (P2P) connection
Communication Protocol	HTTp, FTP	Traditional
System involved	Internet is mandatory	Internet is not required
API Support	Available	Not Available
Applications	B2B, B2C, Cloud computing	Specialised devices
Examples	Smart Wearables, Big Data	Sensors, Transducers

Conclusion

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology that connects objects to the internet and allows them to collect and exchange data. IoT is also sometimes called machine-to-machine (M2M) or industrial internet. The primary distinction between IoT and M2M is that IoT devices are linked to the internet and can interact with one another, but M2M devices are operated without any human influence. They are not connected to the internet and can only speak with one another. The advantages and drawbacks of each technology are different. Remote monitoring and device control are possible with IoT, but new security dangers are also involved. It is possible to automate processes and operations with M2M. However, managing patches and updates may become challenging. Both types of networks have advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the one that best suits your needs is important.