STL demonstrated cutting-edge optical innovations
In a landmark achievement, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), jointly with Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL), has successfully tested India’s first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) transmission over a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) — marking a major milestone in the nation’s journey towards quantum-secured communication networks.
The Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) technology provides a powerful solution by enabling data transmission across multiple cores within a single fibre, significantly saving physical space and infrastructure costs.
In the context of QKD — which typically requires a dedicated dark fibre for the quantum channel, MCF offers a significant advantage: it enables the physical separation of quantum and classical signals into distinct cores within single fibre.
This allows for the simultaneous transmission of QKD and high-capacity data traffic on a single fibre without compromising quantum signal integrity thereby saving fibre cost, the Ministry of Communications said on 17 April http://dot.gov.in.
In this activity, the quantum signals of QKD were transmitted through one core, while simultaneously, the other three cores on the same fibre were used to carry high-speed user data. A stable QKD link was established over a distance exceeding 100 km, validating the robustness and stability of quantum communication even amidst high-capacity classical data traffic.
C-DOT, India’s premier telecom R&D centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has emerged as a key player in advancing India’s quantum communication ecosystem. C-DOT has successfully developed and deployed industry-grade QKD systems.
Notably, C-DOT’s QKD systems have received Technology Approval from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), a body under the DoT.
STL is a leading global provider of integrated digital networks, specialising in optical fibre manufacturing and network designs, with 10+ global manufacturing plants and a customer base spanning 100+ countries. As a trailblazer in Optical Networking, Optical Connectivity, Data Centres, and Enterprise solutions, STL has recently developed Multi-Core Fibre (MCF), positioning it at the forefront of building future-ready, scalable fibre networks. STL’s Multicore fibre leverages Space Division Multiplexing in 7 and 4 core fibre to achieve ultra-high transmission capacity per fibre within the same diameter https://www.meity.gov.in/.
Speaking at the occasion, C-DOY CEO Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay stated, “This initiative is a key milestone for India’s telecom ecosystem. This achievement clearly establishes the feasibility of integrated quantum-classical networks over next-generation optical fibres saving costs for QKD deployments drastically https://www.commerce.gov.in/.”
STL Optical Networking Business CEO Rahul Puri elaborated, “This breakthrough collaboration with C-DOT underscores India’s growing prowess in pioneering next-gen digital infrastructure. By successfully integrating QKD with our indigenously developed MCF, we have demonstrated how cutting-edge optical innovations can revolutionized secure communication https://www.makeinindia.com/home/.
“We are committed to advancing India’s quantum communication ambitions while driving global optical leadership. This milestone is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in building a digitally sovereign and secure nation.”
Both C-DOT and STL reaffirm their commitment to advancing India’s capabilities in quantum communication and optical network innovations. This achievement is a foundational step toward realizing a cost effective, secure and resilient national quantum communication infrastructure. Fiinews.com
