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In this article, we will discuss the main Difference between IoT and M2M. But before discussing the differences, we will know about the IoT and M2M.
What is IoT?
IoT (Internet of Things) is the network of physical objects embedded with software, sensors, and other technologies to connect and share data with multiple devices over the internet. It is an environment in which devices share the data via the networking media known as the internet. Users can build fast, scalable, high-performance networks by connecting a wide range of devices via the technologies with the use of IoT devices.
For example, an air conditioner’s sensor may collect the data on outside temperatures and change its temperature to increase or decrease according to the outside environment’s temperature. Likewise, the refrigerators may change their temperature accordingly, too.
What is M2M?
M2M stands for Machine to Machine communication. It is a direct communication system between the devices using wired or wireless communications channels without any human interaction. It collects the data and shares it with other connected devices. It is a technology that allows devices without the use of the internet to connect between devices. Various applications, such as defense, monitoring and tracking, production and facility management, are provided by M2M communications.
Difference between IoT and M2M
| Basis of | IoT | M2M |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | Internet of Things | Machine to Machine |
| Intelligence | Devices have objects that are responsible for decision making | Some degree of intelligence is observed in this. |
| Connection type used | The connection is via Network and using various communication types. | The connection is a point to point |
| Communication protocol used | Internet protocols are used such as HTTP, FTP, and Telnet. | Traditional protocols and communication technology techniques are used |
| Data Sharing | Data is shared between other applications that are used to improve the end-user experience. | Data is shared with only the communicating parties. |
| Internet | Internet connection is required for communication | Devices are not dependent on the Internet. |
| Type of Communication | It supports cloud communication | It supports point-to-point communication. |
| Computer System | Involves the usage of both Hardware and Software. | Mostly hardware-based technology |
| Scope | A large number of devices yet scope is large. | Limited Scope for devices. |
| Business Type used | Business 2 Business(B2B) and Business 2 Consumer(B2C) | Business 2 Business (B2B) |
| Open API support | Supports Open API integrations. | There is no support for Open APIs |
| It requires | Generic commodity devices. | Specialized device solutions. |
| Centric | Information and service centric | Communication and device centric. |
| Approach used | Horizontal enabler approach | Vertical system solution approach . |
| Components | Devices/sensors, connectivity, data processing, user interface | Device, area networks, gateway, Application server. |
| Examples | Smart wearables, Big Data and Cloud, etc. | Sensors, Data and Information, etc. |
