C-DOT, IIT-Kharagpur to Develop 10-Gigabit Passive Optical Network Components

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and IIT Kharagpur recently signed an agreement to create 10-Gigabit XGS-PON (10 Gbps Symmetric Passive Optical Network) components, funded by the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme.

This collaboration for next-generation telecommunication technologies aligns with Atmanirbhar digital growth visions.

Background

India currently has the world’s lowest broadband prices and fastest-growing app economy, riding successive policy interventions accelerating digitization.

TTDF represents one such mechanism under the Universal Service Obligation Fund for sponsoring innovations by domestic telcos and academic institutions to bridge urban-rural access asymmetries.

Project Objectives

This partnership seeks developing and demonstrating indigenous expertise in futuristic fiber-optic internet hardware meeting burgeoning connectivity demands.

XGS-PON signifies a symmetric network supporting equal 10 Gbps upload and download links unlike traditional asymmetric digital subscriber lines.

Key Deliverables

The project entails creating robust, field-deployable prototypes for Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Unit (ONU) adhering to XGS-PON optical transmission protocols and architecture standards internationally.

C-DOT contributes rich intellectual property and productization experience while IIT Kharagpur facilitates cutting-edge academic rigor exploring complex broadband technologies’ commercial viability in Indian contexts.

Strategic Relevance

Supporting indigenous R&D across telecom equipment manufacturing and services ecosystems aligns with clarion calls for self-reliance. XGS-PON systems future-proof networks as 5G, FTTx and IoT mature.

Besides vindicating academic expertise, practical fruits also offer commercialization launchpads for promising start-ups under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Corporate partnerships harness synergies between public institutes and private enterprises keeping national perspectives.

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs