Machine-to-machine communication as key enabler in smart metering systems

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communications is a topic that has recently attracted much attention. Smart utilities will include a lot of M2M connected devices. The industry defines M2M communication as the automated communication between remote entities and central management applications. It provides real-time monitoring and control without the need for human intervention. The most represented example in the M2M segment is smart metering management which is defined as using ICT (Information and Communications Technology) technologies in utilities. It is understood as using one system for measuring and collecting energy consumption and other data of two or more of the above-mentioned energy forms. Diversity of end-user platforms makes the task of collected metering data dissemination very changeling. In this paper, we present a project, which goal was to develop proof of concept for smart metering based on existing M2M Service Enablement (M2M SE) Node developed in Ericsson. M2M Service Enablement is a platform that enables integration of telecom assets and device information with industry specific services and applications in a common user experience. Furthermore, a comparative analysis with the ETSI smart metering standards has also been made. Presented solution collects data from water, gas and electricity meters and stores the data in M2M SE node. Also, the solution is verified as a web application which provides data presentation of collected data to end user in graph form.