Telemetry vs. M2M Communications

In machine-to-machine communications, a remote sensor gathers
data and sends it wirelessly to a network, where it's next
routed, often through the Internet, to a server such as
a personal computer. At that point, the data is analyzed and
acted upon, according to the software in place.

Older systems worked similarly, using "telemetry." Telemetry
technology, in many ways, was the forerunner of the more
advanced M2M communications systems. Both telemetry
communication and M2M communications transmit data through
a sensor. The major difference between the two is that rather
than a random radio signal, M2M communications uses existing
networks, such as wireless networks used by the public, to
transmit the data.

Telemetry systems were once the province of scientists,
government agencies and other organizations. Still, telemetry
technology found many uses, including in aerospace,
agriculture, water treatment monitoring and wildlife science.
A radio collar wildlife scientists fit onto a captured animal
sends telemetry about that animal's movement and habits.

The sensors in older telemetry communications, however, were
highly specialized and often needed strong power sources to
transmit data. Also, data collection could be spotty if
a remote sensor was located in a "dead spot." Of course, any
data analysis was conducted by what we now consider
antiquated computers.

Modern M2M communications represents vast improvements over
these systems. Remote sensor technology advances offer
increased sensitivity and accuracy. Analyzing computers and
software also work at a faster pace. The explosive growth of
public wireless networks is probably the biggest change that
has opened M2M communications to many more sectors.

Using wireless networks makes it easier to transmit telemetry
for several reasons. First, radio signals don't need to be as
powerful as they once did, as cellular towers are spread over
large areas to provide coverage. Older telemetry systems
didn't always rely on radio signals -- some used dedicated
phone lines, for instance -- but the wireless aspect allows
for easier remote placement of sensors.