M2M Communication: Advantages and Disadvantages

This page explores the advantages and disadvantages of M2M (Machine to Machine) communication and M2M architecture. It highlights the benefits and drawbacks of M2M communication.

What is M2M Communication?

Introduction:

M2M (Machine to Machine) communication refers to devices connected to the internet through fixed or wireless networks that can communicate with each other and other devices on the network. These are active communication devices.

M2M communication is a key component of networks comprised of smart meters, smart lighting, smart parking systems, and more. Ideally, M2M communication provides instantaneous and secure internet access at any location and speed, operating both indoors and outdoors. It supports various network topologies like star, mesh, tree, and peer-to-peer.

Figure-1: M2M Architecture, Image source: ETSI TS 102 690 document

The MQTT protocol is frequently used for M2M, WSN (Wireless Sensor Network), and IoT scenarios. MQTT employs a publish/subscribe model, featuring asynchronous communication with messages (or events) exchanged between clients and a server (broker). However, other protocols are also utilized in various M2M networks.

Figure 1 illustrates a high-level M2M architecture. As shown, M2M includes both a network domain and a device/gateway domain.

The Device and Gateway Domain includes:

• M2M Device
• M2M Area Network
• M2M Gateway

The Network Domain includes:

• Access Network
• Core Network
• M2M Service Capabilities
• M2M Applications
• Network Management Functions
• M2M Management Functions

M2M devices connect to the network domain through multiple M2M gateways. Examples of M2M area networks include PAN (Personal Area Network) and LAN technologies.

PAN technologies include 802.15.1, Zigbee, ISA100.11a, Bluetooth, IETF ROLL, etc. LAN technologies include PLC, KNX, M-Bus, wireless M-Bus, etc.

M2M communication, used in conjunction with IoT, provides vast storage, resources, and security. Key characteristics of M2M communication include:

• Large number of short-lived sessions.
• (Usually) low payload.
• Vastly diverse characteristics (e.g., battery capacity).
• Vastly diverse QoS (Quality of Service) requirements (e.g., delay).

Benefits or Advantages of M2M Communication

The following are benefits of M2M Communication:

• M2M communication is supported by cellular networks either directly or through a gateway.
• It is easy to deploy and maintain.
• It is available with fixed and mobile networks, both indoors and outdoors.
• It offers a higher range, minimum latency, higher throughput, and consumes less energy.
• It enables communication between smart devices without human intervention.
• M2M communication helps resolve security and privacy issues in IoT networks.
• Large-scale protection, data collection, and data processing become possible.

Drawbacks or Disadvantages of M2M Communication

The following are drawbacks of M2M Communication:

• Using cloud computing in M2M creates a dependence on external providers, potentially limiting flexibility and innovation.
• Security and data ownership are significant concerns.
• Interoperability between cloud/M2M IoT devices remains a challenge.
• It’s designed and optimized for a relatively small number of network devices.
• M2M communication relies on a constant internet connection with reasonable speed.