Machine To Machine Communication - Case Study Example

MACHINE-TO-MACHINE COMMUNICATION Name Professor Institution Course Date Contents Contents 2 Introduction 3 Background 4 Aims and objectives 5 Literature review 6 Significance of machine-to-machine communication 9 Proposed Approach 10 Risk assessment 11 Timeline 11 References 12 Introduction Machine to machine communication involves technologies that permit wired and wireless systems interact with other similar systems and devices. Communication in machine-to-machine devices or systems is broadly concerned with information and networking technologies. Machine to machine communication is an integral part in the internet communication and comes about with several advantages in various industrial applications. In these applications this nature of communication mostly used in control as well as for monitoring purposes. A global support of the developments and advancements in internet communication technologies involves the adoption of machine-to-machine communication. Communication between one machine and the other is also applicable in industrial instrumentation where sensing of measuring devices is used to capture events (Roebuck, 2011, p. 116). The captured vents are then subjected to transmission through wired, wireless or hybrid network to an application that changes or translates these events into useful and meaningful information. This nature of communication was initially performed using machines interconnected through a relay system of remote network. This system of network would then be linked to a central computer for purposes of analysis. However, the present communication between machines has improved and developed beyond a one-way connection and has become an integration of networks that is involved in the transmission of data to various appliances. The improvements in computer networks across the globe has a created a better environment for operating of machine-to-machine communication. This has led to a reduction in the amount of time and power that is required for the transmission of information from one machine to the other. Communication taking place between various machines was initially used for the purposes of instrumentation and automation but currently, it is also involved in telematics applications (Breese, 2012, p. 175). Background Essentially machine-to-machine communication also includes communication that takes place between actuators, smart sensors, embedded processors as well as mobile devices with limited or no human intervention. The idea of communication between machines is a new concept in business whose origin is connected to telemetry technology. This concept is employed in data measurement and automatic transmission from sources that are remotely situated. The major difference that exists between machine-to-machine communication and telemetry is the aspect of operation and the business that permits its proliferation in several ways. Communication between various machines is typically based on ubiquitous and common technologies such as the internet and mobile networks. Both machine-to-machine communication and telemetry play a major role in data transmission (Roebuck, 2011, p. 135). However, there is a difference between the two in the sense that the solutions obtained from old telemetric have been using radio signals at random whereas machine to machine communication make use of the networks in existence. The communication between one machine and the other uses and supports a collection of certain technologies. These technologies include sensor network technology, smart metering as well as home networks among others. The principle of communication between various machines is supported and applicable in areas such as security surveillance, transportation, health as well as manufacturing. Devices involved in machine-to-machine communication network may be operational based on body sensors. This nature of communication offers a link between two devices where the data gathered is forwarded to the communication network. This network acts as infrastructures in the realisation of interaction between inter machine gateway and a server or end user application. The widely spread use of cellular packets based on continuous decrease of network costs is among the major reasons leading the increase of machine to machine popularity (Forster, 2010, p. 204). The machines that are capable of communicating are currently increasing inn number and models. The speedometer, which is one of the components in an automobile, is a demonstration communication between machines. In factories, communication between machines occurs in control stations where there is always an automatic reaction to information by control circuits. In the historical use of technologies in communication between machines, computers were useful in the processing of external signals. There are changes that are currently being experienced and these involve usage of internet protocols, affordable electronics as well as ubiquitous networks. These changes permit the equipping of various machines and devices with communication module (Bouyssounouse, 2005, p. 221). Aims and objectives The proposed aims and objectives of this project include: The determination of the present developments with regard to market and technological aspects of machine-to-machine communication To understand the machines, devices and the types of applications that is presently involved in machine-to-machine communication. To establish the significance of the machine to machine communication in industrial and business sectors oth presently as well as in future. Literature review Trend of machine-to-machine in telecommunication infrastructure Previously, several industries involved in service provision and especially those dealing with telematics used second-generation GPRS data services. This is because the transfers of data requirements were intermittent and small. The wireless networks in the second generation are appropriate for use in inter machine communication due to their wide footprint coverage. In addition, there has been a reduction in the cost of equipment and services obtained from second generation in comparison to the third generation. Furthermore, there is a challenge that is faced with those involved in the design and maintenance of machine-to-machine communication. This challenge has to do with the selection of the most appropriate technology for use in wireless communication (Roebuck, 2011, p. 223). The providers of telematics services have been previously operated on grounds that short messages and the second-generation coverage would play a role in networks carrier. There is estimation that almost ninety per cent of the presently embedded modules second generation. In most parts of the world, operators involved in the mobile network industry are not used to considering legacy consumer equipment during decision making with regard to the rollout for new network technology. This is because the handsets used by various consumers have a relatively short product life. There is an expected traffic explosion on cellular networks, and there is a commitment with regard to aggressive fourth generation (4G) technologies deployment, with new the availability of new handsets. In most cases, wirelesses carriers are not sure of the impact of M2M are expected to be on demand for the services that they offer. In situations where there is growth of M2M applications (Boswarthick and Hersent, 2012, p. 181). Where there are few subscribers, the communication through various networks have a higher likelihood of being faster due to routines that are timely automated may not be predictable. The prediction of provisioning networks and maximum capacity are likely to bring about challenges as well as facing constraints. Experts consider that even the use of fourth generation technology has high likelihood of being one of the factors towards the maximization of efficiency that is achievable within the existing spectrum. The conversion and changes to the fourth generation would call for a reinstallation of second-generation spectrum through decommissioning some of second-generation base stations that are in support the present machine-to-machine communication. These communication services are then converted to both third and fourth generations of wireless technologies. The uncertainty that is associated with these may affect or be affected by the presence of several embedded second-generation M2M modules. The operators in the mobile network industries usually have a tendency of encouraging the acquisition of either third generation or second-generation M2M communication modules. This happens with the assurance that despite high costs through upfront costs, both 3G and 4G will eventually lead to low network tariffs that will bring down the total cost. According to previous analyses regarding machine-to-machine communication infrastructure, the most likely situation will result in several operators decommissioning their second-generation networks within the next couple of years (Breese, 2012, p. 108). This would result in a replacements or upgrade of the existing modules to either third or fourth generation technology. Decommissioning of some second-generation technology has appeared as if it is tarnishing the reputation of the operators in the mobile network industries in the wake of M2M communication advancement. it still remains to be an important procedure since the expense incurred during the acquisition of new spectrum in support of fourth generation technology are more that those required in acquiring a portion obsolete communication module. The costs of replacements with regard to machine-to-machine module replacements are also likely to be abandoned by the application providers. Role of machine-to-machine communication in transportation applications It is suggested by both experience and theory that for any innovation to be successful, there are two factors that must be considered. These powers are associated with the major technology in use and their implications in the world of business. Primary constraints with regard to technology on widely spread deployment of M2M have been considerably overcome in several applications. The main in this widespread is usually the cost incurred through the life cycle which is guided by operational and manufacturing processes as well as services offered in the telecommunication industry. In the industry of transportation, several opportunities are able to offset these expenses, given that those that are in charge of vehicle operation are often found in the loop. Several other applications may be linked human subscription in a data plan that indicates the coverage of wireless carriers (Forster, 2010, p. 179). Dealers in telematics services are also engaged in innovative schemes of pricing in attempts towards the adaptation of the willingness of consumers’ transportation payments. The subscription models for wireless data services like per-device, per-session, per-time or per-application may offer considerable assistance to the providers of telematics services and counter balance the low willingness by consumers to pay for such services. Innovations in the process of business are important as far as cost reduction is concerned and enhancing the accessibility of M2M services to various applications. A proper management of service application offers both software and hardware platforms that have the capability to support applications in multiple sectors. These include Energy, Healthcare, transportation and security among others (Boswarthick and Hersent, 2012, p. 194). An appropriate management of infrastructure services could play a significant role towards the establishment of a middleware platform that would offer agreement for levels of services as well as profile reporting. Innovation in this area is largely dependent on standardization, which is capable of creating compatibility and interoperability to focus from competition and innovation and competition in areas of high value addition in services and equipment. Standardization in M2M is is also a major concern that should be taking place, but this has proved to be challenging due to several desperate initiatives, which have not yet led to a de-facto standard. In this case, there are various organizations such as International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Global Standards collaboration M2M Standardization, European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) among others (Roebuck, 2011, p. 107). The Telecommunications as well as electrical engineering industries are presently developing an M2M framework that has the capability of functioning over a wide range of communication network. Significance of machine-to-machine communication The automated data communication between Machines to machine (M2M) is increasingly capturing the global attention with regard to its significance and applications. This technology is significant in the sense that it is experiencing advancements and growth and is now applicable sectors, which include the transport industry as well as other utilities. The M2M communication technology plays a major role when it comes cost saving, real value delivery and the management of innovation in large organisations. This technology has a dramatic reduction in costs but at the same time, there are enhancements and improvements regarding speed, wireless coverage and the available capacity. This is important since it has led to embedded connectivity of the activities taking place in day-to-day life. Further, this is expected to lead to new intelligence as far as doing business is concerned because it would enhance the efficiency of operation as well as the revenue generation opportunities (Boswarthick and Hersent, 2012, p. 162). When it comes to other sectors such as the one involving transport and logistics, the packages and pallets would be in a good position to communicate details regarding their location and this would facilitate the parcel tracking operation. Similar applications of M2M would be able to permit the public to have accessibility of information on the location of their bus train or ferry. In the health industry, M2M technology and devices would be worn by patients to facilitate monitoring and evaluation of useful statistics concerning the administration of medication. In retail, machine-to-machine communication offers sales data as well as experiences in shopping via personalised digital signage. Proposed Approach The proposed approach in this project has its focus on the activities that are significant in establishing both technological and market aspects of machine-to-machine communication. The tasks in carrying out this project include investigating and understanding the principles of operation and applications of machine-to-machine communication. In this case, there are activities involved such making visits to transport and health sectors as well as other industries where this communication technology is applicable and useful. The visits and investigations are accompanied by putting in writing some of the useful information gathered throughout the exercise. The implementation of the project also involved as critical and in-depth review of the available literature and previous studies on the subject matter to obtain important information that would assist in drawing conclusion (Breese, 2012, p. 145). Generally, the most appropriate approach in the implementation of this project considers both primary and secondary information and data sources. The proposed approach also considers the nature of research and information required to facilitate the performance of the project. In this case, the approach widely considers the use of technology. Risk assessment Risk assessment and safety analysis for the performance of this particular project forms part of formal process towards the identification, elimination and control of the hazards. The performance of risk assessment for the implementation of this project resents an opportunity for identifying the hazards associated with actual gathering of information in M2M industries. In this, assessment and evaluation there is the establishment of probability and severity of the occurrence of the hazards associated with carrying out the project. This then allows an appropriate and timely resolution of the challenges presented by the possible risks and hazards. It is also important consider the ability to trace and be in control of the possible risks through the tasks and activities involved in the entire project. This is because risk assessment in this project is an essential measure towards proactive and preventive aspect of the operations and activities taking place (Kraiss, 2006, p. 112). In addition, the M2M communication project also requires safety analysis, which plays an important role in the identification and description of the hazards that are likely to result from fault conditions, and flaws project operation. Timeline The timeline for the performance of this project indicates the orders and period for the involved tasks and activities and would be indicated in a tabulated format as shown below Activity/Task Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Study material procurement Planning and scheduling Fieldwork and industrial visits Literature and information review Report writing Presentation References Boswarthick, D. & Hersent, O. (2012). M2M communications: A systems approach. Chichester, West Sussex, U.K: Wiley. Breese, F. (2012). Serial communication over rtp/cdp. S.l.: Books On Demand Gmbh. Bouyssounouse, B. (2005). Embedded systems design: The ARTIST roadmap for research and development. Berlin [u.a.: Springer Forster, E. M. (2010). The Machine Stops. Boston, MobileReference.com. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=543098. Glanz, A., & Büsgen, M. (2013). Machine to Machine Communication. Frankfurt am Main, Campus. Kraiss, K.-F. (2006). Advanced man machine interaction: Fundamentals and implementation ; [with CD-ROM]. Berlin: Springer. Roebuck, K. (2011). Machine-to-machine communication services: High-impact technology –what you need to know. S.l.: Emereo Pty Limited. Theoleyre, F. (2013). Internet of Things and M2M Communications. Aalborg: River Publishers. Read More