M2M: From mobile to embedded internet

TLDR

M2M is debated as either hype or the future of information society, and its realization hinges on overcoming technical and infrastructural challenges. The article examines business motivations and technology challenges of M2M, highlighting key application requirements and major technology gaps. The authors analyze future air‑interface and network‑architecture improvements, assess M2M traffic characteristics that current standards may not support, and outline potential enhancements and standards development to enable mass deployment.

Abstract

Is M2M hype or the future of our information society? What does it take to turn the M2M vision into reality? In this article we discuss the business motivations and technology challenges for machine-to-machine communications. We highlight key M2M application requirements and major technology gaps. We analyze the future directions of air interface technology improvements and network architectures evolution to enable the mass deployment of M2M services. In particular, we consider the salient features of M2M traffic that may not be supported efficiently by present standards, and provide an overview of potential enhancements. Finally, we discuss standards development for M2M.