Key Points
- C-DOT unveils 14 indigenous quantum security products covering QKD and PQC solutions
- Products include encryptors with throughput ranging from 80 Mbps to 200 Gbps
- Scindia calls for taking indigenous telecom innovations from laboratory to global market
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has launched 14 indigenous quantum security products designed to protect India’s communication networks against emerging threats from quantum computing, marking a significant step in the country’s push for self-reliance in critical telecom technologies.
The products, unveiled on 25 August at C-DOT‘s 43rd Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi, cover two key areas: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), a method of secure communication that uses quantum mechanics to generate encryption keys that cannot be intercepted without detection, and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), encryption algorithms designed to resist attacks from future quantum computers.
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Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, said C-DOT had the potential to transform not only India but also contribute to shaping the technological landscape globally.
“The spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India would attain its true potential when India not only develops technologies domestically but also makes for the world,” Scindia said, stressing the importance of taking indigenous innovations from laboratory to market.
C-DOT quantum products
The product range includes encryptors with throughput capacities ranging from 80 Mbps to 200 Gbps, designed for different use cases from enterprise networks to defence communications. All products incorporate algorithms approved by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the US agency that sets global cryptographic standards.
Q-AMOGH, the highest-capacity offering, provides 200 Gbps throughput at Layer 1 for securing high-capacity optical communication links. Q-MAHASETU offers 40 Gbps throughput for enterprise networks, while Q-VIKRAM and Q-PARAKRAM are defence-grade encryptors providing 1 Gbps throughput with enhanced protection for strategic communications.
For smaller deployments, Q-SETU provides 80 Mbps throughput for Layer 3 communications. The range also includes Q-DARSHAN, a quantum-safe video IP phone, and Q-VACHAN, an inline node that can upgrade existing IP phones with quantum security.
On the QKD side, C-DOT launched Q-AKSHAY CD, a compact fibre-based system using Coherent One Way and Differential Phase Shift protocols, and Q-AKSHAY MD, which uses the Measurement Device Independent protocol to offer enhanced security against vulnerabilities in measurement devices.
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Amit Agrawal, secretary, Department of Telecommunications and chairman, Digital Communications Commission, said C-DOT’s indigenous solutions would play an important role in addressing both present and emerging cybersecurity challenges.
“India needs to transition towards quantum-safe communications, particularly in strategic sectors,” Agrawal said. “These efforts reflect the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Network integration
Several products are designed to integrate quantum security into existing infrastructure. Q-VAJRA1000 is an access node that can support technologies such as GPON and wireless radios, enabling quantum-safe protection to be added to existing network infrastructure. Q-VAAYU secures wireless point-to-point links, while Q-RAQSHAK provides enterprise network protection.
C-DOT also unveiled C-SPD, a single-photon detector used in quantum communication systems, and C-RD, a wideband RF driver for intensity and phase modulators.
Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, minister of state for Communications and Rural Development, highlighted C-DOT’s role in fraud mitigation and citizen-centric digital services, particularly through Sanchar Saathi.
“I challenge the young engineers to work and develop the country’s indigenous technological capabilities to a stage where India is less dependent on external products and the world starts buying our products,” Pemmasani said.
Technical sessions
The Foundation Day conference, themed “Beyond Connectivity: Secure, Trusted and Intelligent Communication”, featured technical sessions on cybersecurity, 6G communications and quantum secure communications.
Speakers included Manoj Singh Gaur, director of IIT Jammu; Mandar Kulkarni, national security officer for India and South Asia at Microsoft; Chandra R Murthy from IISc Bengaluru; R David Koilpillai from IIT Madras; and Rupamanjari Ghosh, expert committee member of the National Quantum Mission.
By the numbers
- 14
- quantum security products launched
- 200 Gbps
- maximum throughput of Q-AMOGH encryptor
- 43 years
- C-DOT Foundation Day milestone
Rajkumar Upadhyay, chief executive officer of C-DOT, said the organisation’s focus was expanding towards secure, trusted and intelligent communication systems.
“Through our work in cybersecurity, quantum-secure communications, 6G and other emerging areas, C-DOT remains committed to strengthening India’s technological self-reliance and contributing to the development of globally competitive telecom technologies,” Upadhyay said.
C-DOT is the premier telecom research and development centre of the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications. The organisation was established in 1984.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the quantum security products launched by C-DOT?
C-DOT has launched 14 products covering Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions. These include encryptors with throughput ranging from 80 Mbps to 200 Gbps, quantum-safe IP phones, single-photon detectors and access nodes for integrating quantum security into existing networks.
What is the difference between QKD and PQC?
Quantum Key Distribution uses quantum mechanics to generate encryption keys that cannot be intercepted without detection. Post-Quantum Cryptography refers to encryption algorithms designed to resist attacks from future quantum computers. C-DOT’s products use both approaches.
Which C-DOT quantum product has the highest capacity?
Q-AMOGH is the highest-capacity product, offering 200 Gbps throughput at Layer 1 for securing high-capacity optical communication links. It uses NIST-approved post-quantum cryptography algorithms.
Are C-DOT’s quantum products designed for defence use?
Yes, Q-VIKRAM and Q-PARAKRAM are defence-grade quantum-safe encryptors providing 1 Gbps throughput for Layer 2/3 networks. They incorporate NIST PQC algorithms for strategic and defence communications.