C-DOT and Sterlite Technologies Reach Significant Milestone in Quantum-Secured Networks
Click to start listening
Synopsis
C-DOT and Sterlite Technologies have achieved a significant milestone in quantum-secured communication networks by successfully testing India's first QKD transmission over a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre, marking a pivotal moment for India's telecom industry.
Key Takeaways
- Successful QKD transmission over 4-core MCF
- Enables simultaneous quantum and classical data transmission
- Stable QKD link established over 100 km
- Significant cost savings for QKD deployments
- Highlights collaboration in advancing digital infrastructure
New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Sterlite Technologies Ltd announced on Thursday that they have successfully conducted India's inaugural QKD transmission utilizing a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) -- representing a pivotal achievement in the country's advancement towards quantum-secured communication networks.
The MCF technology offers an effective solution by facilitating data transmission across multiple cores within a single fibre, leading to significant reductions in both physical space and infrastructure expenses.
The Ministry of Communications indicated that, concerning QKD -- which generally necessitates a dedicated dark fibre for the quantum channel -- MCF allows for the distinct separation of quantum and classical signals into individual cores within one fibre.
This arrangement enables the concurrent transmission of QKD and high-capacity data traffic on a single fibre without jeopardizing the integrity of the quantum signal, thus reducing fibre costs.
“This initiative marks a crucial milestone for India’s telecom ecosystem. This accomplishment unequivocally confirms the viability of integrated quantum-classical networks over next-generation optical fibres, significantly lowering costs for QKD implementations,” remarked Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT.
In this operation, the quantum signals of QKD were relayed through one core, while the remaining three cores on the same fibre handled high-speed user data.
A stable QKD link was successfully established over a distance surpassing 100 km, demonstrating the durability and stability of quantum communication even in the presence of high-capacity classical data traffic, as stated by C-DOT.
C-DOT has effectively developed and deployed industry-grade QKD systems.
Rahul Puri, CEO of Optical Networking Business at Sterlite Technologies, noted that this collaborative breakthrough with C-DOT highlights India’s increasing capability in spearheading next-generation digital infrastructure.
“By effectively merging QKD with our homegrown MCF, we have showcased how advanced optical innovations can transform secure communication,” he added, emphasizing that this milestone exemplifies the strength of public-private partnerships in cultivating a digitally sovereign and secure nation.
Sterlite Technologies stands as a prominent global provider of integrated digital networks, specializing in optical fibre manufacturing and network design.
