Electronic Applications of Radio Frequency (RF) Wireless Networking: M2M or Machine to Machine
Radio Frequency for communications is deployed across a wide range of applications, including astronomy, weather reporting, maritime navigation, medical imaging and military tracking of RFID-tagged worldwide inventory. New and innovative applications are continually being discovered in RF communications for wireless electronic devices, including Machine to Machine or M2M purposes.
Electronic products have enjoyed decades of RF R&D, making cell phones and wireless networking for internet access into common household products. RF wireless networking exists in the ranges of Ultra High to Super High Frequency (300MHz 30 GHz range), although RF as a whole covers a wider range. When an RF current is supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is created that then is able to propagate through space. The range is dependent on the frequency and power of the signal, and RF wireless networking can be applied to numerous practical applications.
Machine to Machine (M2M) RF Wireless Networking
Machine to Machine or M2M is a novel aspect in the field of wireless communications. Many different companies are putting this useful technology to work for consumers. Three examples of wireless RF devices in the ISM (Industrial Scientific and Medical) range are:
Example 1. A French company, eDevices, has created a complete Machine 2 Machine solution to connect several devices wirelessly and to access them remotely from the internet. This solution makes it affordable to manage, from the Internet, several remote pieces of equipment located in the same area. Several radio eDnodes connect the devices to the local wireless network while an eDgate gateway stores, processes and relays the data over the internet, with no need for a PC. www.edevice.com
Example 2. ITC Systems, a cash card management company operating across Canada and the US, has used M2M technology to design wireless RF card readers to improve copy and print cost recovery solutions. Aimed at the business-centre market, libraries, education and government, the wireless 1500RF card reader devices control copiers, printers and even scanners and allow for cash card payments and/or credit card payments for jobs. The M2M communication connects dozens of 1500RF card readers wirelessly and securely across a few hundred feet to a central 1535RF transceiving device at an internet PC. Transaction processing and reporting occurs within PCSoftTill and ITC Systems PCI-compliant credit card processing software. The benefits of this cost recovery solution is twofold: effective payment and tracking and a reduction in paper usage, which is both cost effective and environmentally friendly. www.itcsystems.com
Example 3. Crossbow Technologies in the US has seen its wireless sensors used in unique applications, such as monitoring endangered species, measuring the force of a running horse at the Kentucky Derby, and determining drought conditions in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The companys eKo Pro Series has eKo Nodes that form a wireless sensor network. A base radio with standard antenna serves as a collection point, transmits to the plug-and-play eKo Gateway, and can be viewed online for reports and admin. www.xbow.com
Machine to Machine wireless communication has many applications, from cost recovery solutions to equipment monitoring and environmental observation.
As a point of interest, here is a trivia question for you: the most famous M2M consumer services in North America?
(Answer GMs On Star safety and security service)
