Modules for machine-to-machine communication i GPRS : case study, medical surveillance

Abstract

Machine-to-machine communication is estimated to get an exponential growth in the coming years. This will open for new ways to utilise the networks, and is foreseen to be a means to increase business. Increased efficiency and service level can be assumed, and new business opportunities are predicted, in a scenario made possible as creative people notice a technology constantly providing cheaper and smaller devices, the bandwidth increases and the charging fee per bit decreases. GSM offers ubiquitous coverage and a wide selection of bearer services, and several methods for positioning can be used. The alternative bearers are discussed and evaluated. The different types of machine-to-machine applications have a vast difference in requirements, and cannot be foreseen solved by one type of module within a short time frame. To realise this diversity, proper classification is proposed. The continuous technology development improves vital factors like size power demand and cost. This will open for new applications. It is expected that it will be soon be possible to have a complete module on a single chip. This is a strong argument for not suggesting any major change to GSM module architecture. To illustrate the possibilities in the machine-to-machine scenario, a concept is outlined and discussed. The chosen concept is within medical surveillance. This application is considered to have a large potential, and significant costs in terms of both hospital beds and medical personnel can be saved. The application contains most module aspects. Opportunities are foreseen by the proposed concept. As the M2M market gets more mature, the current players realise that the margins get smaller. A value chain can be identified, and the different roles in the value chain must be admitted and accepted in order to succeed in the development of M2M applications. In a mature market, each party must focus on dedicated roles in order to get or maintain a leading role. Alliances are considered to be a good solution to offer competitive solutions, and additional value added services may further increase revenues.