The Perfect Pairing: Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Technology and Satellite Service

Machine to Machine or M2M technology has been around for a while, but adding satellite technology to this amazing advancement is taking M2M to the next level. Read on to find out what M2M is, how satellite technology improves it and how various industries can benefit from it.

What is M2M?

Machine-to Machine, or M2M, technology refers to any set of network devices that can perform actions and exchange information without a human manually sending or receiving the information. This technology is often used to remotely monitor conditions. This type of communication is used in remote control, robotics, logistics services, traffic control, supply chain management, fleet management, warehouse management, telemedicine and much more.

Most M2M communication require RFID or radio frequency identification. According to the Internet of Things Agenda, this technology uses an electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify an object, animal or person. The RFID is made of three components: an antenna, transceiver and transponder. In addition to the RFID, M2M depends on sensors, a communication link (through Wi-Fi, cellular or satellite network) and autonomic computing software.

How Does Satellite Technology Improve M2M?

Companies or individuals that need to use M2M in remote locations don’t have to be dependent on cellular or Wi-Fi networks for communication. Satellite enables M2M to happen anywhere on the planet, even in the most remote locations. The service is cost-effective because they don’t have to invest in broadband infrastructures and provides very reliable service. According to OFFCOMM News, the global market for satellite M2M services is projected to be $1.6 billion by 2017.

Industries That Benefit From Satellite M2M

The government and private sector alike are benefitting from Satellite M2M as the industry continues to grow. The energy sector already widely uses satellite M2M for tasks like monitoring oil pipelines or electric wire networks including Smart Grids. Utility meters can also contain this technology, saving utility companies money collecting data about individual usage. This technology is used to monitor assets where large numbers of equipment are spread out over vast areas.

There are other uses for the technology. In banking, the technology provides ATM services in areas with limited connectivity. In the environmental industries, the technology provides monitoring for water treatment sites, windmill farms and other sites.

There are also public safety and meteorological applications for this technology. M2M allows us to pick up meteorological and seismic activity across the globe. The data collected can help monitor forest fires, issue tsunami or flood warnings and more, saving lives. There are also applications for military or government intelligence agencies that need to track assets or people across the globe.

M2M has plenty of maritime applications. Satellite M2M allows communication and improved safety of crews out at sea. More governments are employing Vessel Monitoring Systems to help enforce fishing regulations. Satellite M2M also enables increased safety by monitoring the systems on the ship like oil pressure and coolant temperature, so that the crew and those ashore can be aware of any potential mechanical issues. Buoys equipped with M2M terminals can help scientists monitor ocean conditions, collecting important environmental data that can be used in wave, ocean port and coastal monitoring. More office functions can be performed at sea using M2M technology, allowing for optimum efficiency on ships.

If you are interested in M2M and would like more information on the technology used in your industry, contact New York Mobile Satellite. We’d be happy to answer any questions.

New York Mobile Satellite LLC, veteran-owned, headquartered in New York City, provides B2B wireless and satellite based telecommunication services, both mobile and fixed, to commercial enterprises around the globe, including banking, financial services, oil and gas, first responders, law enforcement, electric and water utilities, construction, sea ports, leisure boating, mining, cruise lines, media, shipping and container vessels, transportation, camping and hiking groups, rescue organizations, maritime communications, public safety markets and government sector, as well as for disaster recovery and humanitarian agencies. The Management Team has over 75 years of satellite and telecommunication experience. The company’s flexibility to custom design solutions and integrate various satellite communications technologies for customer, and industry specific needs, sets us apart from the competition.