Cientra has been catering to leading global enterprises across the semiconductor, embedded software, automotive and telecom domains. The company is committed to accelerating the delivery of customised solutions to its clients across the product life cycle. It currently has offices in India (Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Noida), the US (New Jersey) and Germany (Frankfurt). In the telecom domain, Cientra has built complete UEStacks, gNB and core solutions, providing a comprehensive 5G network. Through partnerships, it integrates internet of things (IoT)/core/server to offer a complete private network. In an interview with tele.net, Anil Kempanna, chief executive officer, Cientra, shares the company’s focus areas in the Indian market, its key solutions and growth plans…

What are Cientra’s focus areas in the Indian market?

Cientra is at the forefront of connecting IoT devices in the 3GPP domain, especially in the 5G network. At present, most of the IoT devices lack a SIM card identity mechanism, preventing them from connecting to 5G. Some may not even have an interface for attaching a 5G dongle mo­dem. Despite these limitations, IoT devi­ces, by definition, are internet connected. Cientra enables non-SIM IoT devices to register in the 5G network. For this purpose, the air interface is made redundant, allowing devices connected through any internet medium to connect to the 5G core network. Consequently, the devices can be authenticated and secured, along with being connected to 5G services. This makes it possible to bring IoT devices into the 3GPP featured domain.

What are the key solutions offered by the company in the telecom sector?

Our solution facilitates the identification and authentication of IoT devices to provide 3GPP standard security. It incorpor­ates all the non-radio frequency (non-RF) features of 5G, which allow IoT devices to send and receive SMSs and broadcasts similar to mobile devices. It can create data sessions and manage different data rates for different applications. It can manage, slice and increase communication efficiency. Since it works as 5G, it inherently becomes a well-authenticated secured device.

How is the convergence of 5G and IoT transforming the ICT landscape?

IoT devices need to be authenticated and secured. For this, they need to get eSIM remotely from the cloud and get identified through a combination of the serial number and eSIM ID. Notably, since Cientra’s solution does not compel devices to have new radio (NR) or long term evolution radio capabilities, devices using Wi-Fi, LoRa, etc., can be now connected and authenticated by a 5G network without the need for mandatory 5G coverage. This approach supports the 6G vision of ubiquitous connectivity.

What is the significance of Cientra’s product AADI in this domain?

Now, the majority, accounting for 99 per cent of IoT devices, can seamlessly connect to 5G and future-generation 3GPP networks. The eSIM identity ensures their authentication and security.

What kind of projects is the company currently working on?

Cientra is engaged in securing IoT devices through remote eSIM and helping oper­ators grow their IoT business. Devices now do not need to possess the NR capability, and operators can provide licensed authentication and security at a minimal additional cost.

Are there any new projects/initiatives in the pipeline?

Cientra is working with government secur­ity agencies and ministries on projects where security is paramount. These include initiatives such as smart cities, railways, defence and healthcare.

What are your growth plans for the next two to three years?

Our system can be leveraged by operators worldwide for security-sensitive areas. Their growth will make Cientra grow.