With over 50 lakh smart meters connected via Wirepas Mesh, in-meter gateways are eliminating the need for costly external infrastructure, making India’s AMI rollout more scalable, reliable, and cost-effective.
As India accelerates towards its goal of deploying 250 million smart meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the limitations of traditional smart metering infrastructure are becoming increasingly evident. The reliance on standalone gateways or Data Concentrator Units (DCUs) has posed challenges in cost, deployment complexity, and network reliability. Now, a breakthrough technology—in-meter gateways—is set to redefine the future of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) in India.
By integrating gateway functionality directly into select smart meters, in-meter gateways eliminate the need for external DCUs, significantly reducing capital and operational expenses while improving overall network performance. With Wirepas-powered RF mesh networks already connecting over 50 lakh smart meters in India, this innovation is proving to be a game-changer for utilities looking to streamline large-scale smart metering deployments.
The Evolution: From Standalone Gateways to Embedded Connectivity
Traditionally, smart meters relied on external gateways (DCUs) to relay data to utility head-end systems via cellular networks. While effective in theory, this approach introduced multiple inefficiencies:
- High CAPEX & OPEX – Standalone gateways require sophisticated hardware, durable enclosures, and dedicated power sources, increasing costs.
- Complex Installations – External gateway deployment is logistically challenging, especially in rural and remote areas.
- Maintenance Overheads – Exposure to environmental conditions and tampering risks lead to higher failure rates.
- Network Vulnerability – If a single DCU fails, it disrupts communication for hundreds of meters connected to it.
In-meter gateways solve these challenges by embedding the gateway function directly into smart meters themselves. These meters not only perform traditional metering tasks but also act as network nodes, seamlessly transmitting data across an RF mesh without requiring additional infrastructure.
Why In-Meter Gateways Are a Game-Changer for AMI in India
The self-healing RF mesh technology at the core of in-meter gateways ensures uninterrupted connectivity. Unlike cellular networks that rely on external DCUs, RF mesh enables each meter to act as a communication node, dynamically routing data through the most efficient path.
With Wirepas Mesh technology, Indian utilities are already witnessing the benefits of this approach, achieving a 99.9% SLA (Service Level Agreement) for smart metering data transmission.
Key Advantages of In-Meter Gateways
- Cost Efficiency – Eliminating standalone gateways reduces both capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX). Each in-meter gateway can support up to 300 connected meters, significantly lowering costs.
- Simplified Deployment – Unlike pole-mounted DCUs that require power sources and complex outdoor installation, in-meter gateways function just like standard meters, making installation seamless.
- Improved Reliability – More meters acting as communication hubs mean no single point of failure, reducing disruptions and enhancing resilience.
- Scalability – As utilities expand their smart meter networks, in-meter gateways automatically extend coverage without requiring additional infrastructure.
- Enhanced Security & Lower Maintenance – In-meter gateways resemble standard meters, reducing the risk of vandalism or theft while cutting down maintenance requirements.
- Better Rural Connectivity – Placing an in-meter gateway at a location with a strong cellular signal allows surrounding meters to connect via RF mesh, ensuring reliable data transmission even in remote areas.
Real-World Implementation: Wirepas & HPL at Elecrama 2025
The industry-first in-meter gateway technology was recently showcased at Elecrama 2025, India’s premier electrical industry exhibition, in collaboration with HPL, one of India’s leading smart meter manufacturers. The demonstration featured an end-to-end RF mesh smart metering solution powered by Wirepas, highlighting:
- Wirepas Mesh Sub-GHz connectivity for ultra-reliable, low-latency communication.
- Network Management System (NMS) with RF adapters, enhancing real-time monitoring and control.
- Seamless integration with HPL’s head-end system, enabling utilities to scale deployments effortlessly.
What Industry Leaders Are Saying
Ashish Ahuja, Vice President – APAC, Wirepas, emphasized the transformative potential of in-meter gateways, stating:
“India’s AMI rollout is at a crucial inflection point. While utilities are pushing for large-scale smart meter adoption, infrastructure challenges have been a significant roadblock. In-meter gateways address these challenges head-on by eliminating external gateways, reducing costs, and improving network performance. With Wirepas Mesh technology already powering millions of meters in India, this innovation will define the future of smart metering in the country.”
The Future of Smart Metering in India
As India continues its transition towards a smarter, more efficient power sector, in-meter gateways are set to play a critical role in enabling cost-effective, large-scale smart meter deployments. By combining cellular simplicity with RF mesh reliability, this technology is paving the way for utilities to achieve their AMI goals faster, with lower costs and higher efficiency.
With Wirepas leading the charge, in-meter gateways are not just an incremental improvement—they are the future of smart metering in India.
