The Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) are quite similar in that they both refer to technologies that connect devices with one another or connect things with people. IoT and M2M are similar but not the same. In this article, we’ll explore their differences in further detail, including how M2M works, how IoT works, what some of the advantages and disadvantages of each technology are, and more.

What are the major differences between IoT and M2M?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects that are connected to the internet. These objects can communicate with each other and share data. The data can be used to automate processes or make decisions. Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a type of communication that happens between two machines. This communication can be used to transfer data or control machinery. M2M communication does not necessarily need the internet to work. It can use mobile phone networks, satellites, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and satellite networks for transmission. 

A difference between IoT and M2M is that an object in an IoT system cannot send messages to another object without using some form of wireless connectivity. M2M systems do not require this because they typically transmit information from one machine to another by a wired connection. 

A second difference is that an object in an IoT system will always require power because it needs the ability to transmit information back and forth with its neighboring devices. For example, you can't charge your smartphone wirelessly but you can plug it into your laptop via a USB cable. Objects in M2M systems do not require power because they only transmit information from one machine to another via a wired connection. So, these devices don't need a constant supply of electricity like objects in an IoT system. If there's no power available to an M2M device, it will still function as long as there's battery life left on the device. For example, if you take your car's remote key fob out of range of the car battery, then it will still open the door even though there's no power available to operate it.

A third difference is that most types of automation happen inside M2M systems while things like ordering pizza or requesting laundry pickup happen through IoT applications. You could say that many things happening inside an IoT application are happening outside an M2M application and vice versa which means they're often complementary technologies with different capabilities and features depending on their purpose. There are many ways that both M2M and IoT differ. 

One big difference is how much a device relies on the internet to perform tasks. An M2M device doesn't need an internet connection because it transmits information over a wired connection so it has greater independence than an IoT device. Both types of devices have different purposes so they aren't interchangeable. Some examples include: wearable sensors, safety monitoring systems, medical equipment and machinery, and transportation management technology. In addition to being able to reach more people in a shorter period of time, a major advantage of IoT is that it can also collect data about items such as medical equipment usage rates and traffic patterns which might otherwise go undetected. 

A final difference between IoT and M2M is that IoT may be too reliant on cloud computing. Cloud computing is when all data storage takes place remotely in centralized servers instead of locally on individual computers or smartphones. As more people store data online instead of storing it locally, these centralized servers become targets for hackers who can get hold of sensitive information about a wide number of individuals all at once when the servers are breached.

Where are they used?

IoT is used in a lot of different places. For example, it can be used in your home to connect your devices to the internet or in your car to help you find a parking spot. M2M, on the other hand, is mostly used in industrial settings. It can be used to monitor machines or track inventory.

Conclusion

In short, the difference between IoT and M2M is that M2M is a communication standard while IoT is an umbrella term that includes many different technologies. However, both are used in similar ways to connect devices and collect data. Additionally, both have the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work.