IoT & M2M Module

Communication between machines enables innovative advances in technology. Micromax Technology and our partners are at the forefront of developing Internet of Things (IoT)/M2M capabilities that are improving and simplifying the way you do business.

Machine-to-machine communication, or M2M, is exactly as it sounds: two machines “communicating,” or exchanging data, without human interfacing or interaction. This includes serial connection, powerline connection (PLC), or wireless communications in the industrial Internet of Things (IoT). Switching over to wireless has made M2M communication much easier and enabled more applications to be connected.

In general, when someone says M2M communications, they often are referring to cellular communication for embedded devices. Examples of M2M communication, in this case, would be vending machines sending out inventory information or ATM machines getting authorization to dispense cash.

As businesses have realized the value of M2M, it has taken on a new name: The Internet of Things (IoT). IoT and M2M have similar promises: to fundamentally change the way the world operates. Just like IoT, M2Mallows virtually any sensor to communicate, which opens up the possibility of systems monitoring themselves and automatically responding to changes in the environment, with a much-reduced need for human involvement. M2M and IoT are almost synonymous—the exception is IoT (the newer term) typically refers to wireless communications, whereas M2M can refer to any two machines—wired or wireless—communicating with one another.

Traditionally, M2M focused on “industrial telematics,” which is a fancy way of explaining data transfer for some commercial benefit. But many original uses of M2M still stand today, like smart meters. Wireless M2M has been dominated by cellular since it came out in the mid-2000s with 2G cell networks. Because of this, the cellular market has tried to brand M2M as an inherently cellular thing by offering M2M data plans. But cellular M2M is only one subsection of the market, and it shouldn’t be thought of as a cellular-only area.

How M2M Works

As previously stated, machine-to-machine communication makes the Internet of Things possible. According to Forbes, M2M is among the fastest-growing types of connected device technologies in the market right now, largely because M2M technologies can connect millions of devices within a single network. The range of connected devices includes anything from vending machines to medical equipment to vehicles to buildings. Virtually anything that houses sensor or control technology can be connected to some sort of wireless network.

This sounds complex, but the driving thought behind the idea is quite simple. Essentially, M2M networks are very similar to LAN or WAN networks but are exclusively used to allow machines, sensors, and controls, to communicate. These devices feed information they collect back to other devices in the network. This process allows a human (or an intelligent control unit) to assess what is going on across the whole network and issue appropriate instructions to member devices.

M2M Applications

The possibilities in the realm of M2M can be seen in four major use cases, which we’ve detailed below:

1. MANUFACTURING

Every manufacturing environment—whether it’s food processing or general product manufacturing—relies on technology to ensure costs are managed properly and processes are executed efficiently. Automating manufacturing processes within such a fast-paced environment is expected to improve processes even more. In the manufacturing world, this could involve highly automated equipment maintenance and safety procedures.

For example, M2M tools allow business owners to be alerted on their smartphones when an important piece of equipment needs servicing, so they can address issues as quickly as they arise. Sophisticated networks of sensors connected to the Internet could even order replacement parts automatically.

2. HOME APPLIANCES

IoT already affects home appliance connectivity through platforms like Nest. However, M2M is expected to take home-based IoT to the next level. Manufacturers like LG and Samsung are already slowly unveiling smart home appliances to help ensure a higher quality of life for occupants.

For example, an M2M-capable washing machine could send alerts to the owners’ smart devices once it finishes washing or drying, and a smart refrigerator could automatically order groceries from Amazon once its inventory is depleted. There are many more examples of home automation that can potentially improve the quality of life for residents, including systems that allow members of the household to remotely control HVAC systems using their mobile devices. In situations where a homeowner decides to leave work early, he or she could contact the home heating system before leaving work to make sure the temperature at home will be comfortable upon arrival.

3. HEALTHCARE DEVICE MANAGEMENT

One of the biggest opportunities for M2M technology is in the realm of health care. With M2M technology, hospitals can automate processes to ensure the highest levels of treatment. Using devices that can react faster than a human healthcare professional in an emergency situation makes this possible. For instance, when a patient’s vital signs drop below normal, an M2M-connected life support device could automatically administer oxygen and additional care until a healthcare professional arrives on the scene. M2M also allows patients to be monitored in their own homes instead of in hospitals or care centers. For example, devices that track a frail or elderly person’s normal movement can detect when he or she has had a fall and alert a healthcare worker to the situation.

4. SMART UTILITY MANAGEMENT

In the new age of energy efficiency, automation will quickly become the new normal. As energy companies look for new ways to automate the metering process, M2M comes to the rescue, helping energy companies automatically gather energy consumption data, so they can accurately bill customers. Smart meters can track how much energy a household or business uses and automatically alert the energy company, which supplants sending out an employee to read the meter or requiring the customer to provide a reading. This is even more important as utilities move toward more dynamic pricing models, charging consumers more for energy usage during peak times.

A few key analysts predict that soon, every object or device will need to be able to connect to the cloud. This is a bold but seemingly accurate statement. As more consumers, users, and business owners demand deeper connectivity, technology will need to be continually equipped to meet the needs and challenges of tomorrow. This will empower a wide range of highly automated processes, from equipment repairs and firmware upgrades to system diagnostics, data retrieval, and analysis. Information will be delivered to users, engineers, data scientists, and key decision-makers in real-time, and it will eliminate the need for guesswork.

The Value of M2M

Growth in the M2M and IoT markets has been growing rapidly, and according to many reports, growth will continue. Strategy Analytics believes that low power, wide-area network (LPWAN) connections will grow from 11 million in 2014 to 5 billion in 2022. And IDC says the market for worldwide IoT solutions will go from $1.9 trillion in 2013 to $7.1 trillion in 2020.

Many big cell operators, like AT&T and Verizon, see this potential and are rolling out their own M2M platforms. Intel, PTC, and Wipro are all marketing heavily in M2M and working to take advantage of this major industry growth spurt. But there is still a great opportunity for new technology companies to engage in highly automated solutions to help streamline processes in nearly any type of industry. We’re certain we’ll see a huge influx of companies who begin to innovate in this area in the next five years.

However, as the cost of M2M communication continues to decrease, companies must determine how they will create value for businesses and customers. In our mind, the opportunity and value for M2M don’t lie in the more traditional layers of the communication world. Cell carriers and hardware manufacturers, for example, are beginning to look into full-stack offerings that enable M2M and IoT product development. We strongly believe value lies in the application side of things, and the growth in this industry will be driven by smart applications from this point forward

Machine-to-Machine Communication allows you to;

• Measure and Control your Assets
• Connect end-users to central and mobile users
• To provide the communication infrastructure “under the bonnet” of any and all “remote machine” applications
• “Bridge the gaps” between machine and IT worlds!
• Remote monitoring, control, and management of machines via the Internet
• Enable small sites and individual assets to be centrally managed effectively

What is an IoT module?

An IoT module is a small electronic device embedded in objects, machines, and things connected to wireless networks and sends and receives data. Sometimes referred to as a “radio chip” or “IoT chip,” the IoT module contains the same technology and data circuits found in mobile phones but without features like a display or keypad.

Another key differentiator of IoT modules is that they provide always-on connectivity. This aspect is because IoT applications need to send data automatically, in real-time, without someone hitting a send button.

They are engineered for extreme durability and longevity and need to operate continuously for a decade or more to justify the technology’s business case and cost.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing and improving the way we work and live. Still, it’s only possible with pervasive IoT solutions built on flexible and long-lived wireless connectivity. At the heart of it all is a tiny device called the IoT module responsible for connecting virtually anything to wireless networks. IoT Modules come with a wide range of wireless technology standards, and they provide a variety of features that can impact the success of IoT applications

Selecting the right IoT module for any use case

At the beginning of the IoT solution design, careful consideration must be given to determine the necessary features and potential world regions where the solution will be. Features must be matched with a price point that makes sense for the business case.

For instance, to design a product that communicates small data bits over European wireless networks, a cost-effective 2G or 3G GSM module should do the trick.

However, the decision becomes more complicated when you intend to introduce a product in one region and expand to other world regions over time. In some cases, like with large global track and trace solutions, a multi-mode module that operates on all cellular networks – 2G, 3G, 4G, and LTE advanced – could be needed. It might cost more initially; however, it simplifies solution design and logistics, which lowers the total cost of ownership in the end.

In other cases, module footprint compatibility might be all that is needed to develop just a few regionally specific IoT solutions that leverage differing radio bands but only one solution design.

In all cases, a smart migration path to next-generation technologies can help ensure that a short-term gain in component price will not end up costing more down the road. The key is seamless evolution.

We’ve outlined some of the most popular IoT module types in this article, so you can understand what will work best for you.

ZIGBEE

ZigBee is used for building low power, short-range mesh networks. If the mesh is well designed and well-distributed—meaning it has a relatively dense number of nodes—it has the ability to cover a large area. If there are holes in the mesh, the true range performance is pretty limited.

We’ve seen some application creators struggle to sell products that use ZigBee’s hardware because their customers don’t design the mesh properly (and then have numerous issues to deal with). It’s worth noting that there are other proprietary versions of ZigBee that can work really well, like MeshConnect from CEL. This product is especially popular for smart home and energy solutions.

6LOWPAN & THREAD

6LoWPAN and Thread are rapidly growing standards. They are low power versions of IP-based communications that allow end nodes to use 6LoWPAN instead of WiFi to communicate back to access points. Google and Nest are big proponents of these technologies. We at Link Labs can’t use 6LoWPAN because the header size is too large for our technology, but this is certainly a space to watch. If 6LoWPAN becomes a standard type of wireless (especially in homes), it’ll be an attractive module option.

The issue here is that you need a bridge from 6LoWPAN to ethernet somewhere in the system. The Nest thermostat, for example, acts as that bridge—the thermostat has a WiFi chip and a Thread chip in it. But, in order for 6LoWPAN to work with an application, you have to sell some kind of access point that can connect to the internet.

Read more: 6LoWPAN vs. ZigBee: Two Wireless Technologies Explained

Z-WAVE

Z-Wave is a closed ecosystem of sub-GHz RF devices that work very well together. People tend to like Z-Wave because its range is very good, it’s very easy to use, and it has good interoperability. For significant home automation, it’s definitely more popular than ZigBee.

Like Thread and 6LoWPAN, Z-Wave needs its own proprietary access point or gateway. So, in addition to selling a product, you also have to sell an access point. This makes your go-to marketing strategy more complex, which is a downside.

WIFI

WiFi modules give users an easy gateway to the internet. If you’re selling an IoT solution like a smart thermostat, which is made for homes and businesses that are already WiFi-connected, WiFi is a go-to option.

One big issue with WiFi is provisioning: How can you get the password for the customer’s network onto the device? Someone has to type it in, and that’s a major headache for many customers. Things like WiFi protected setup (WPS) were created in response to this issue. WPS was supposed to allow customers to push a device on their routers and allow devices to join for a short period of time. But, they were never standardized and are still not used regularly.

It’s also important to consider WiFi from a security perspective. If you use a connected product that has a WiFi module in it, you must understand that you are now operating a device inside someone’s network. Thus, you need to be a good steward and make sure you are not creating vulnerabilities for that network.

The power budget is another issue. We don’t think you’ll find very many battery-powered WiFi IoT applications out there, because staying connected to WiFi is relatively power-intensive.

BLUETOOTH

This is a really interesting use case because customers actually carry the Bluetooth-to-internet bridge around in their pocket. The Apple iBeacon ecosystem is one type of software development kit (SDK) that provides a persistent Bluetooth-to-internet connection that runs in the background.

For example, with the use of a product like Gimbal’s Proximity Beacon, Bluetooth-enabled devices can feed data from a person’s phone to the internet without them knowing it. If someone has the ESPN app running in the background of her phone, and she walks into a store with a Proximity Beacon in use, store owners can tell she’s in their store without her ever knowing it. These kinds of real-life use cases make Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) an interesting module option.

CELLULAR

The advantages of using a cellular module are that it offers ubiquitous coverage and is an out-of-the-box solution. The issues with a cellular lie in provisioning and subscription management. You don’t want to be stuck paying for data for a bunch of products that are still sitting on the shelf.

There are a lot of companies in the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) space—like KORE Wireless—or strictly in the device management space—like Jasper—that make that process easier. Aeris is another really good company that makes getting a data plan for your IoT devices easier, and we’ve seen it in use a lot more lately.

As we all know, cellular technology is continuously evolving, becoming faster, offering more bandwidth, supporting more connections, and offering amazing new features. In just two decades, mobile technology has changed from 2G to 3G to 4G, and 5G is on the horizon.

The problem is, most IoT solutions don’t need the sizzling speed and broad bandwidth of 4G. It doesn’t make sense to pay for 4G when 2G capabilities are all that is necessary.

Choosing the right IoT & M2M Module Products

IoT is a network or eco-system of physical things (things) that are connected via the internet to exchange information, with no human interaction. These ‘things’ have embedded software program, sensing units, actuators as well as network connectivity that makes it possible for the collection and exchange of information.

Connected technology continues to impact the way we work and live – smart homes, smart cars, cellular connectivity, and the Internet of Everything have become everyday terms.

IoT applications are reaching a growing number of industrial and also commercial fields, including Farming, Vehicle Telematics, Road Illumination and also Mobile Health and Wellness. We’re transforming service and functional models which means that they’re much more effective, safe as well as secure.

Placing IoT modules bulk orders from Gallon Electric is affordable and highly reliable. To maintain the value for your goods, you should place your bulk orders and partner with an IOT & M2M module-authorized dealer. That is exactly what you get here. Gallon Electric help you by ensuring you have high quality and original IOT & M2M module for the next project.

M2M is the one- or two-way exchange of details in between devices, utilizing either wired or cordless connectivity without the hand-operated aid from human beings.

This innovation has been utilized for decades as the requirement in telemetry. Wireless M2M has actually been dominated by mobiles making use of cellular networks since they were introduced in the mid-2000s with 2G presenting the new age of SIM connectivity.

Applications can be seen in Manufacturing, Smart Agriculture, Market 4.0, and also Traffic Control that includes monitoring speed and also quantity.

Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA)

Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) innovation is enabling the next huge dive in the direction of a linked globe as well as IoT. LPWA networks are made for IoT as well as machine-to-machine (M2M) applications that have low data rates, require long battery life as well as maximized cost, as well as operate in remote and difficult to get to places. They will certainly be very easy to apply and release and serve a number of vertical markets such as production, wearables, energies, and also transportation.

Key Characteristics of LPWA

• Low power consumption that enables devices to last up to 10 years on a single charge
  • Optimized data transfer that supports small, intermittent blocks of data
  • Low device unit cost
  • Easy installation of the network
  • Optimized for low throughput, long or short distance
  • Sufficient indoor penetration and coverage

NB-IoT Is One of the Best Solutions for LPWA because of the Following Advantages.

• Improved indoor coverage
  • Low power consumption
  • Massive connections
  • +20dB better than GSM
  • 10Yrs battery life
  • 50K connections per cell

5G Network

5G mobile networks will certainly be the next significant phase of mobile telecommunications criteria beyond the existing 4G LTE deployments. LTE is entering its second half-decade of deployment and still has actually planned enhancement in its roadmap, particularly LTE Advantage (LTE-A) and LTE Benefit Pro (LTE-A Pro). As a matter of fact, many of the enhancements in LTE Advantage Pro are vital buildings blocks for 5G and will allow a lot of the vital features and also very early use the situation for 5G

Key Benefits of 5G for Economy and Smart city

• In 2035, 5G will enable $12.3 trillion of global economic output.
  • The global 5G value chain will generate $3.5 trillion in output and support 22 million jobs in 2035.
  • The 5G value chain will invest an average of $200 billion annually to continually expand and strengthen the 5G technology base within network and business application infrastructure.
  • 5G deployment will fuel sustainable long term growth to global real GDP. From 2020 to 2035, the total contribution of 5G to real global GDP will be equivalent to an economy, the size of India – currently the seventh-largest economy in the world.

GNSS

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) describes a constellation of satellites offering signals from space that send placing and timing information to GNSS receivers. The receivers then use this information to identify locations.

By definition, GNSS provides global coverage. Examples of GNSS include Europe’s Galileo, the USA’s NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS), Russia’s Global’naya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS), and China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System.

The performance of GNSS is assessed using four criteria:

1. Accuracy: the difference between a receiver’s measured and real position, speed, or time;
2. Integrity: a system’s capacity to provide a threshold of confidence and, in the event of an anomaly in the positioning data, an alarm;
3. Continuity: a system’s ability to function without interruption;
4. Availability: the percentage of time a signal fulfills the above accuracy, integrity, and continuity criteria.

This performance can be improved by regional satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS), such as the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). EGNOS improves the accuracy and reliability of GPS information by correcting signal measurement errors and by providing information about the integrity of its signals.

We will highlight some of the commercial applications, including:

• Consumer
• Ground Mapping
• Transportation
• GIS
• Machine Control
• Port Automation
• Precision Agriculture
• Timing
• Construction
• Marine
• Mining
• Unmanned Vehicles
• Surveying
• Defense
• Aerial Photogrammetry

M2M does not need a web connection whereas IoT does.

Market Sectors of IoT & M2M Modules

• Medical
• Automotive
• Facilities Management
• Utilities
• Defense
• Telecom’s
• Banking
• Renewable Energy
• EPOS
• Transport
• Gaming Industry

Some of Machine-to-Machine applications include

• Coffee machine monitoring
• Fluid Dispense monitoring
• Jet Wash Monitoring
• Car Wash Monitoring
• Fruit Machine
• Trend Monitoring
• Weather Station
• Fluid Level Monitoring
• ATM security
• Water Treatment
• CCTV
• Ticket machine
• Parking Meter and many more applications

Why Gallon Electric?

M2M and IoT both modules can be used individually or connected together within a device or tools, either in an individual or in a   combination. If you are looking for those m2m or IoT modules Gallon Electric might be your best choice.

With all the risk awaiting you when purchasing M2M and IoT related electronic components globally, you definitely want to contract with a genuine and a trusted wholesaler that will help you place orders and see your order delivered. That is exactly what Gallon Electric offers you.

Gallon Electric can be your trusted supplier for M2M and IoT Module because of its best price & quality and we are also committed to ensuring better technical support for you.

Gallon Electric is committed to providing customers with authorized genuine components with the least risk of counterfeit. We can provide full traceability on the commercial components sold. From sales to shipping Gallon Electric is committed to meeting your requirements for the right product, on time

Gallon Electric can be your trusted supplier for buying electric components because of its best price & quality and we are also committed to ensuring better technical support for you. Gallon Electric commits to quality products, high service, and timely delivery to our customers.