India’s First Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Over Multi-Core Fibre

In a groundbreaking development, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), in collaboration with Sterlite Technologies Ltd. (STL), has successfully tested India’s first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) transmission over a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre (MCF). This achievement marks a significant leap forward in India’s efforts to establish a secure and cost-effective national quantum communication network.

Key Highlights

• First in India: Successful demonstration of QKD over a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre — a national first.
• Partners: Joint initiative between C-DOT (India’s telecom R&D center under the DoT) and Sterlite Technologies Ltd. (a global optical networking leader).
• Distance Achieved: QKD transmission tested and sustained over a distance exceeding 100 km.

Core Utilization

• One core: Dedicated to QKD (quantum signal).
• Remaining three cores: Used to carry high-speed classical data traffic simultaneously.

Significance of MCF

• Allows physical separation of quantum and classical signals.
• Enables simultaneous transmission without interference.
• Reduces infrastructure and fibre deployment costs.

Other Info

• Technology Approval: C-DOT’s QKD systems have received approval from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC).
• Security and Efficiency: Demonstrates that quantum-secured communication can co-exist with conventional data traffic on a single optical fibre.
• Public-Private Collaboration: This success reflects the strength of collaboration between public R&D and private enterprise in India’s digital growth.

Organizations Involved

C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics)

• Premier R&D center under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• Focuses on indigenous telecom technology.
• Developed QKD systems approved by TEC.

Sterlite Technologies Ltd. (STL)

• Global leader in optical fibre, connectivity, and digital networks.
• Developed indigenously manufactured Multi-Core Fibre.
• Uses Space Division Multiplexing for ultra-high data capacity.