C-DOT, Sterlite Technologies jointly demonstrate quantum-secured data transmission over multi-core fibre

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the R&D centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), jointly with Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL), has successfully demonstrated India’s first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) transmission over a Multi-Core Fibre (MCF), achieving a milestone in quantum-secured communication networks.

Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) technology offers a powerful solution by enabling data transmission across multiple cores within a single fibre, helping to save on space and infrastructure costs. MCF does away with the need to have a dedicated dark fibre for the quantum channel.

MCF enables physical separation of quantum and classical signals into distinct cores within a single fibre, allowing simultaneous transmission of QKD and high-capacity data traffic on a single fibre without compromising quantum signal integrity.

For MCF technology demonstration, a four-core 100-km-long fibre was used – one core for transmission of quantum signals and the other three for carrying high-speed user data. A stable QKD link was established, validating the robustness and stability of quantum communication even amidst high-capacity classical data traffic.

C-DOT has already developed and deployed industry-grade QKD systems and has received technology approval from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), an assessment body under the DoT. 

Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL), with over 10 manufacturing sites and over 100 customers worldwide, is a leader in optical fibre manufacturing and network design and provides integrated digital networking solutions for optical networking, optical connectivity, data centres and enterprise solutions.

STL can leverage the Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) with 4 and 7 core fibre for building future-ready, scalable fibre networks.