What is the Difference Between IoT and M2M?

IoT (Internet of Things) and M2M (Machine-to-Machine) are both technologies that involve interconnected devices communicating with each other. However, there are differences between the two concepts:

1. Interconnected Devices: IoT refers to everyday devices that use sensors and actuators to send and receive data over the internet, while M2M focuses on connecting machines or devices without human interaction using wired or wireless mechanisms.
2. Interoperability: Compared to M2M, IoT offers a greater degree of interoperability because it allows connections between different types of devices, making it more practical for a wide array of use cases.
3. Connection Type: IoT devices typically use the internet for data sharing and analytics, while M2M communications can be carried over mobile networks, such as GSM-GPRS and CDMA EVDO networks.
4. Abbreviation: IoT stands for Internet of Things, while M2M stands for Machine-to-Machine communication.
5. Scope: M2M can be considered a subset of IoT, with M2M focusing on connecting devices without the internet and IoT encompassing a larger ecosystem of interconnected devices.

In summary, IoT and M2M both involve communication between devices, but IoT offers greater interoperability and typically uses the internet for data sharing, while M2M focuses on connecting machines without human interaction and can use mobile networks for communication.

Comparative Table: IoT vs M2M

Here is a table comparing the differences between IoT and M2M:

While both IoT and M2M involve remote access and exchange of information among machines without human intervention, they differ in their approach and application areas. IoT connects any device to the Internet for better communication and data sharing, while M2M focuses on direct communication between devices using wired or wireless communication channels. IoT is more about cloud connectivity and the Internet extending into machines, while M2M is about point-to-point communication between devices.