Cyanconnode pioneering last-mile connectivity with narrow-band RF Mesh networks

The collaborative efforts of Parthasarathi Krishnan and Aniruddha Shahapure highlight the significant strides in last-mile connectivity, market penetration, and cybersecurity within the smart grid sector.

The Power sector in India is phasing a dynamic shift to smart technology. In this transition, the emphasis is on last-mile connectivity, focusing on evolving applications in distribution generation and power automation. One company at the forefront of this transformative journey is CyanConnode, a leader in narrow-band RF technology. With an unwavering commitment to adherence to protocols, industry standards, and collaboration, CyanConnode is making significant strides in the smart metering sector, boasting a substantial market share. Key representatives of the company, Aniruddha Shahapure and Parthasarathi Krishnan, spoke on the current trends and innovations in talks with EPR Magazine.

How does narrow-band RF technology enhance last-mile connectivity?

Parthasarathi Krishnan: Our primary emphasis is last-mile connectivity, focusing on the evolving moderate applications in distribution generation and power automation. Cyanconnode narrow-band RF technology seamlessly integrates, providing device-agnostic features not only on the device side but also on the application side. We adhere to all necessary protocols and industry standards in the process.

What is the company’s current market share in smart metering, especially with RF technology deployment?

Aniruddha Shahapure: India currently has around 8 million smart meters installed nationwide, and we have deployed our technology in approximately 1.6 million of these meters. As a result, the market share in smart metering stands at about 20 percent. However, Cyanconnode’s market share increased to approximately 50 percent when specifically considering RF technology.

Given the evolving market trends and expansion, we are engaged in various collaborations with AMISPs. Additionally, the company is actively educating people about the benefits of smart metering and planning training and awareness programmes to encourage the adoption of this technology. The focus extends beyond market share to address environmental concerns, particularly in reducing CO2 emissions. RF technology, a cost-effective solution and considered a free band, is crucial in achieving carbon-friendly goals. This is evident in the 50 percent deployment of RF technology in Cyanconnode’s installations.

How has CyanConnode ensured compliance with smart metering policies and standards?

Parthasarathi Krishnan: In India, the journey of smart meter technology has seen significant progress since the early 2000s. Initially aligning with European and American standards, the government’s initiatives facilitated the development of indigenous forums to formulate new policies for smart metering and communications.

CyanConnode has played a crucial role in this policy-making process, leveraging its global deployment experience to contribute to the creation of open and robust standards. This approach ensures that end consumers are free of a single technology.

Emphasising communication, we adhere to all compliances and policies mandated by the Department of Telecom and the Wireless Planning Commission. Each new product undergoes conformance tests at government-accredited laboratories before reaching the market, with compliance certificates provided to industries.

Cyanconnode actively recommends standards for smart meters, promotes device agnosticism, and introduces protocols like IEC 6/20/56 for DLMS. By adhering to WPC policies and conducting national accreditation tests for new devices, we ensure compliance and transparency in our contribution to India’s smart technology landscape.

How does Cyanconnode’s communication model enhance cybersecurity in IoT, addressing smart meters?

Aniruddha Shahapure: The prevalent issue in today’s world revolves around communication, especially concerning the connection between IoT devices and the cloud. This is essentially a Cyber-Physical System (CPS) where the cyber layer interfaces with the physical layer, and smart meters stand out as the most widely deployed IoT devices.

Considering the landscape where numerous IoT devices link to the cyber realm, the technology involves multiple parameters, particularly in addressing cyber threats. Our communication model has diligently fortified each layer of security. This includes a switched model with maximum security at the meter level, transport layer security, data security, device security, and robust protocols. Cyanconnode’s comprehensive solution ensures end-to-end protection in terms of cybersecurity. We take pride in the secure solution and technology that the company provides.

What innovative technology did Cyanconnode showcase at DistribuElec? 

Parthasarathi Krishnan: We always focus on showcasing new technology and solutions for every event. For this DistribuElec event, Cyanconnode is highlighting the Unified Head-end System, which is designed to provide a versatile solution. The rationale behind this system is to offer its customers flexibility, encouraging them not to rely solely on one vendor.

The Unified Head-end System can accommodate all types of last-mile connectivity available. This includes incorporating Cyanconnode local radio frequency technology and integrating seamlessly with third-party cellular, NABIO3, or PLC technology. Additionally, we are introducing long-range radio frequency communication, allowing for a remarkable 10-kilometre distance with a clear line of sight. The noteworthy advantage here is using an unlicensed spectrum, eliminating operational costs.

Aniruddha Shahpure: This technology has undergone testing in challenging terrain and has proven successful. And has achieved communication over a distance of approximately 9.7 kilometres without encountering any hindrances.