Transforming IoT with Wireless tech, Strong Security, and Matter Protocol

In an exclusive interview with Asia Business Outlook, Manish Kothari, SVP of Silicon Labs, elucidates the limitations faced by IoT operators and further emphasizes the importance of data security in a world heading towards higher levels of digitization. He is a creative and strategic thinker, problem solver, quick learner, and innovator with more than 60 patents to his name. He is also experienced in strategic planning.

How do infrastructure limitations, like inconsistent network connectivity and inadequate data management, affect IoT deployment in India, and what strategies can address these challenges effectively?

The approach to addressing infrastructure reliability challenges can be compared to how cellular technology leapfrogged over landline limitations, as seen with the success of Jio and Airtel in overcoming the country's infrastructure constraints. At Silicon Labs, as leaders in wireless IoT, the goal is to bring a similar transformation. The belief is that wireless technology offers a robust platform to overcome the dependency on wired infrastructure, whether in homes, industrial settings, or medical environments.

This will help address current challenges on the wireline side. The strategy is clear: wireless technology will play a pivotal role in driving India's development, much like cellular networks did for landline telecommunications.

What specific challenges does the Indian IoT industry face regarding data privacy and security, and what measures are essential to protect sensitive information and build user trust?

India’s large digital infrastructure, particularly UPI, has proven to be a boon, but it has also become a bane for innocent citizens who are getting scammed for their money and data is compromised as an addendum. Data security is of the utmost importance. It’s the number one concern for both IoT device makers and consumers. At Silicon Labs, we have developed a Secure Vault Security suite for this reason.

Security is a key differentiator and something that all developers need to pay attention to. As we digitize on a higher level, the primary objective will always be to protect sensitive information while simultaneously building trust.

How do regulatory and compliance challenges, such as varying standards and fragmented policies, hinder IoT growth in India, and what steps can harmonize the regulatory framework?

India has made tremendous strides when it comes to standardization of technologies and their protocols, while keeping the momentum with data privacy and security. It will be excellent to maintain this trajectory and adjust accordingly to global standards and seek methods to unify with said standards when necessary.

For instance, the government's smart metering initiative exemplifies this progress. By promoting the use of smart meters and encouraging competition among various wireless standards, the initiative has been a positive development. The standardization of specific wireless technologies, such as Wison receiving approval from the Bureau of Indian Standards as a certified protocol for smart meters, highlights this achievement.

Moving forward, a strong focus on data privacy and security is crucial. India has the opportunity to develop an India-specific policy in these areas, and progress is being made toward this goal. It is encouraging to see efforts aimed at harmonizing national policies with global practices.

Overall, there is optimism about India's direction, and it is vital for the country to sustain the momentum of simplifying and unifying regulatory standards. This will help foster continued progress and innovation.

What challenges does the IoT industry face in achieving interoperability across devices and platforms, and how does Matter address these challenges to create a unified IoT ecosystem?

The Matter protocol was developed specifically to address the challenge of interoperability among the billions of devices in the IoT ecosystem. It serves as a standard that enables these devices to communicate seamlessly. However, Matter offers benefits beyond just interoperability. One significant advantage is its simplified device setup, which enhances user experience. Matter also boasts improved reliability and reduced latency, and because it is an IP-based protocol, it facilitates the development of applications that can leverage the robust security standards associated with IP technology.

Matter has become a crucial element in the journey toward achieving interoperability, with ready-to-use products like Matter over Thread (the MG24 SoC) and the forthcoming Matter over Wi-Fi SoC (the 917). These innovations are expected to significantly tackle interoperability challenges, which is vital for the industry's growth.

As for the growth of IoT in India and the surrounding Asian countries, there is a strong sentiment that India is poised to lead the IoT segment in the near future. The increasing adoption of IoT technologies, along with supportive government initiatives and a burgeoning tech landscape, positions India as a critical player in this space. The potential for innovation and development in IoT within the region is immense, and many industry experts believe that India will take a leading role in shaping the future of IoT.

What obstacles must be overcome for the widespread adoption of Matter in IoT ecosystems, and what benefits does Matter offer to incentivize manufacturers, developers, and consumers?

The main obstacles to the adoption of the Matter protocol can be categorized as challenges associated with new technology. One significant hurdle is that it takes time for users to adapt to this emerging technology. There are also technical issues to address, such as memory size and power consumption, which are being considered within the standards development.

Despite these challenges, the key benefits that Matter offers, particularly in terms of security, are noteworthy. Matter is an IP-based protocol that incorporates substantial security features, which are critical given the growing concerns about data privacy. This emphasis on security can drive interest and demand from consumers and industry stakeholders alike.

To facilitate Matter's adoption, the industry and technology providers need to address some of the challenges, such as enhancing power efficiency, optimizing memory footprint, and reducing costs associated with memory. Additionally, there is a need to expand the range of applications that Matter can support. Currently, Matter includes device types such as appliances, motors, lights, switches, and locks, but there is potential for it to cover a broader array of applications.

The Matter community, alongside technology providers like Silicon Labs, must continue to innovate and diversify the devices compatible with Matter. Ultimately, security and interoperability will serve as key drivers for customer interest. It is also hoped that the Indian government will recognize the importance of security and promote relevant standards, further propelling technologies like Matter into the market.