M2M Growth Enabled by Wireless Security
As wireless networks and connectivity options expand into exciting new territory, machine-to-machine (M2M) technology is emerging as a popular way for organizations to increase operational efficiency, enable smarter decision-making, advance service quality, open new revenue streams and much more.
As M2M applications continue to grow—for everything from video surveillance for security purposes, sensor monitoring or remote access control in industrial applications, to enabling wireless payments in retail settings and beyond—concerns about wireless security will continue to be top of mind. In this post, we’re going to discuss the ways M2M technology can benefit the organizations that employ it, and explore how its prevalence will lead to increased demand for wireless security on mobile networks.
The Rise of Machine-to-Machine
In this technology driven world, M2M is becoming more and more commonplace. As a matter of fact, in Canada alone, Bell Mobility expects to see M2M grow up to 400% between 2014 and 2020. But what exactly is M2M? In the simplest terms, M2M is the networking of devices, sensors and equipment using either wired and wireless networks. Wireless networks for M2M could include WiFi, cellular, point-to-point links, or mesh networks.
M2M Technology in Action
Just a few examples of industries realizing the benefits of wireless M2M solutions include:
- Industrial – For industrial applications, M2M technology is improving efficiency and safety through sensor and utilities monitoring and remote access control. This increased access to data makes for faster, better decisions to support revenue generation and cost reduction.
- Water and Wastewater – Municipalities and water utilities are using M2M to be able to remotely monitor and control water sources, pumping stations and end-user meters.
- Surveillance – Video surveillance is enabling improved security in a wide variety of settings, from schools and public transit to private buildings and properties. M2M applications can be used to customize and integrate video surveillance with other security initiatives—for example, displaying only cameras recording suspicious activity, or linking surveillance systems with alarm management applications
- Transportation – Used for asset and vehicle tracking, logistics management and more, M2M technology is helping improve safety and productivity for trucking companies and other vehicle fleets.
What About Security?
With millions of devices connected throughout the wireless world at any given time—and volumes of often sensitive and confidential data being transmitted, including many of the examples listed above—it’s no surprise that security is top of mind for organizations leveraging M2M technology. In response to these concerns, advancements to wireless security measures are being made across the industry to ensure that private information remains secure and uncompromised. In many cases, the emphasis is shifting toward a far more preventative stance in order to detect and prevent any wireless security issues before they occur.
As M2M continues to explode, we will see measures develop that beef up encryptions, detect rogue devices and access points, and more. This ever-evolving security is end-to-end, and built to ensure that data remains encrypted as it travels between sources.
For more information on how to stay ahead of the curve as wireless security and M2M converge, contact Nova Communications and speak to a wireless systems expert toll free: 1-888-908-6682.
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