CyanConnode Omnimesh technology for secure data transmission across networks

Wi-SUN technology by CyanConnode extends connectivity options with an open-standard, highly secure wireless solution ideal for urban IoT applications. Supporting multiple meter types allows cost-effective, scalable deployments, particularly suited for growing urban infrastructure.

Communication solutions by CyanConnode, led by its Omnimesh technology, are vital for utilities in their grid modernisation efforts. By enabling real-time, secure, and scalable communication between smart meters and utility control centres, CyanConnode technology allows utilities to manage better energy distribution, monitor usage, and reduce losses. The ability to remotely track and control grid assets improves operational efficiency and supports predictive maintenance, helping utilities enhance energy reliability. The solutions by CyanConnode also provide seamless communication in urban, rural, and challenging terrains, ensuring robust grid performance across diverse geographies. This enhanced communication capability is key to building smarter, more efficient, secure, and resilient grids. Ajoy Rajani shares his views on the role of CyanConnode in the industry.  

How does Omnimesh technology by CyanConnode ensure end-to-end cybersecurity for smart metering infrastructure?

CyanConnode prioritises cybersecurity in its smart metering infrastructure. Our Omnimesh technology employs a multi-layered security approach, including end-to-end encryption using Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for key management and authentication. This ensures that data transmitted across the network remains secure and protected from potential threats.

Additionally, device-level security is reinforced through advanced protocols such as AES-128 encryption, while network layer security is bolstered by DLMS high-level security. Our infrastructure also integrates robust firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to safeguard against unauthorised access and attacks. Continuous monitoring and regular security audits further enhance the resilience of our systems, ensuring they meet the highest global security standards and remain effective against evolving cyber threats.

How can investments and workforce training enhance the implementation of digital innovations in the power sector?

Rising investments in the power sector are fueling innovations across technologies such as smart metering, grid automation, and renewable energy integration. These investments drive the development of advanced communication solutions like CyanConnode’s Omnimesh, which enables utilities to manage energy more efficiently, reduce losses, and improve grid reliability. Innovations in data analytics, IoT integration, and cybersecurity are becoming essential as the sector evolves towards smarter, more connected infrastructure. 

These advancements underscore the growing need for a highly skilled workforce capable of managing, deploying, and maintaining these complex technologies. As the power sector adopts more digital and automated systems, workforce training in data management, cybersecurity, and advanced communication technologies becomes critical. A skilled workforce ensures that innovations are implemented effectively, helping utilities optimise operations and meet the increasing demand for reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

Can you share insights into the latest innovations or partnerships CyanConnode is pursuing to improve the scalability and cost-effectiveness of its metering solutions?

CyanConnode’s long-range radio technology stands out as a transformative solution in smart metering communications, capable of establishing reliable communication over vast distances. This innovation particularly benefits rural and hard-to-reach areas, where deploying traditional infrastructure can be costly and challenging. The technology supports dependable data transmission across diverse terrains, enabling utilities to extend their reach into remote regions with challenging geographical conditions. With reduced infrastructure costs and a highly reliable communication framework, this technology has made smart metering more accessible for utilities targeting underserved areas. 

In addition to long-range radio, CyanConnode’s AI-powered cellular communication solutions enhance grid intelligence through improved data management and predictive analytics. This AI solution optimises energy distribution and enables real-time issue detection, allowing utilities to address potential problems before they escalate. The system’s dual-SIM module ensures seamless connectivity by automatically switching between SIMs in the event of network instability, thus minimising downtime. A store-and-forward functionality bolsters this resilience by storing data temporarily during connectivity drops and forwarding it once the network is restored. These features significantly improve Service Level Agreements (SLAs) by reducing data gaps, increasing uptime, and ensuring consistent performance, especially in dense urban and semi-urban areas. 

The Wi-SUN solution further supports large-scale deployments with high levels of security and interoperability. Designed as an open-standard technology, Wi-SUN facilitates smooth integration with various smart city applications and multiple meter types, offering a flexible and future-proof utility solution. Wi-SUN supports smart metering and Internet of Things (IoT) use cases by enabling cost-effective and efficient communication, making it especially suitable for urban and semi-urban deployments. This approach fosters a connected environment where infrastructure scalability and secure data handling become more manageable across various applications. 

The in-meter gateway from CyanConnode, ready for market rollout, marks a step forward in simplifying installations and enhancing tamper resistance by integrating communication capabilities directly within the meter. By consolidating all communication components inside the meter, this design reduces the need for external devices, lowering hardware, maintenance, and deployment costs. Embedding these capabilities also enhances data integrity, making it more difficult for tampering to compromise data accuracy and security. This integrated solution allows utilities to scale their infrastructure efficiently, ensuring reliable data transmission and facilitating real-time monitoring and control across the grid. 

Supporting these advanced technologies, CyanConnode’s Universal Head-End System (UHES) offers utilities a standardised, versatile platform to manage multiple communication technologies, including RF, cellular, long-range radio, and power line communication (PLC). This centralised system improves operational flexibility by accommodating diverse meter types, reducing overall management costs, and enhancing system scalability. By facilitating seamless control and data aggregation, the UHES is instrumental in helping utilities build modern smart grid infrastructures, enabling them to scale efficiently and meet the evolving demands of energy management and distribution. CyanConnode empowers utilities to create resilient, future-ready smart grids that serve both urban and rural communities through these integrated, adaptable, and secure solutions.

How is CyanConnode addressing the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources into existing grid infrastructures through its smart metering systems?

CyanConnode’s communication solutions are equipped to handle the integration of renewable energy, although this functionality has not yet been deployed. Our Omnimesh technology can support net metering, allowing utilities to manage bi-directional energy flow when consumers generate their own renewable energy. This functionality enables a seamless transition for utilities whenever they are ready to incorporate renewable energy sources into their grid. 

Our solution ensures grid stability even with the variability of renewable energy inputs by offering real-time data management, load balancing, and advanced analytics. CyanConnode is well-prepared to support utilities in integrating renewable energy into their infrastructure as and when the requirement arises, making our solution future-ready and adaptable to the evolving energy landscape.