In a groundbreaking achievement, C-DOT, in collaboration with Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL), has successfully demonstrated India’s first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) transmission over a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) — a major milestone in the country’s journey toward quantum-secured communication networks.
Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) technology revolutionizes data transmission by enabling the flow of information across multiple cores within a single optical fibre, offering significant savings in physical infrastructure and operational costs. In conventional QKD, a dedicated dark fibre is typically required for the quantum channel. MCF technology overcomes this limitation by allowing quantum and classical signals to travel in separate cores within the same fibre. This enables simultaneous transmission of QKD and high-capacity classical data traffic without compromising the integrity of quantum signals, effectively reducing fibre deployment costs.
In the successful trial, quantum signals for QKD were transmitted through one core, while the remaining three cores simultaneously carried high-speed user data. A stable QKD link was established over a distance exceeding 100 km, demonstrating the robustness and reliability of quantum communications even alongside heavy classical data traffic.
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), India’s leading telecom R&D institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, has been at the forefront of advancing the nation’s quantum communication capabilities. C-DOT has developed and deployed industry-grade QKD systems, which have received Technology Approval from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), a certification body under the DoT.
Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL), a global leader in integrated digital networks, specializes in optical fibre manufacturing and network design, operating more than 10 manufacturing plants worldwide and serving customers across 100+ countries. A pioneer in Optical Networking, Connectivity, Data Centres, and Enterprise Solutions, STL has recently introduced its Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) technology. By leveraging Space Division Multiplexing across 7-core and 4-core fibres, STL’s MCF delivers ultra-high transmission capacity without increasing the fibre’s diameter, positioning the company at the cutting edge of scalable, future-ready network infrastructure.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, 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”.
Rahul Puri, CEO, Optical Networking Business, STL said: “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. 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 Sterlite Technologies (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.
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