Key Points
- DoT signs five-year agreement with C-DOT for optical network testbed in Delhi
- Testbed will help Indian startups commercialise optical communication technologies
- Project structured in two phases with rollout expected in first two years
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has signed a five-year agreement with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) to establish an optical network testbed in New Delhi, aiming to accelerate commercialisation of indigenous optical communication technologies developed by Indian startups and industry players.
The agreement, signed on Thursday (27 August), establishes the testbed at C-DOT’s campus in the national capital. The facility will provide a real-world environment for testing and validating optical communication solutions before they reach commercial deployment, addressing a gap that has historically slowed the transition of lab-stage innovations to market-ready products.
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Representatives from DoT and C-DOT signed the agreement in the presence of Alok Shukla, Advisor (Technology) at DoT, Rajkumar Upadhyay, chief executive officer, C-DOT, and Atul Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Networks and Technologies), DoT.
Testbed capabilities
The testbed will integrate C-DOT’s existing optical core, access and quantum security technologies to create a comprehensive testing environment. An optical network testbed allows developers to simulate real-world network conditions, including data transmission speeds, signal degradation over distance and security protocols, without deploying expensive infrastructure in the field.
For Indian telecom equipment manufacturers and startups developing optical communication products, the facility offers access to testing infrastructure that would otherwise require significant capital investment. The testbed will accept third-party test and measurement tools from approved vendors, allowing companies to validate their products against industry standards.
The project also includes a training component. Students, researchers and industry professionals will have access to the facility for hands-on exposure to optical networking technologies, addressing a skills gap in specialised telecom engineering.
Implementation timeline
The project is structured in two phases. The first phase, covering years one and two, focuses on building the physical infrastructure. This includes installing optical core and access equipment, quantum security systems and testing tools. The testbed is expected to begin operations at the end of this setup phase.
The second phase, spanning years three to five, shifts to sustained operations. C-DOT will provide technical support to companies using the facility and conduct educational outreach programmes. The operations phase also includes regular maintenance to keep testing equipment current with evolving optical communication standards.
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India’s optical communication sector has seen increased activity as telecom operators expand fibre networks to support 5G backhaul and fixed broadband services. BharatNet, the government’s rural broadband programme, has driven demand for optical access equipment, though much of the current deployment relies on imported hardware.
The testbed aims to support domestic manufacturers seeking to compete in this market by providing validation infrastructure that meets international standards. Companies that successfully test their products at the facility can use the certification to demonstrate readiness for commercial deployment with telecom operators.
C-DOT, established in 1984, functions as DoT’s research and development arm. The organisation has developed technologies across multiple telecom domains, including rural exchanges, broadband access equipment and, more recently, 4G and 5G solutions. The optical testbed adds to its existing facilities for telecom equipment validation.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the optical network testbed announced by DoT and C-DOT?
The optical network testbed is a facility at C-DOT’s New Delhi campus where Indian startups and companies can test and validate optical communication technologies in real-world conditions before commercial deployment.
When will the optical network testbed become operational?
The testbed is expected to begin operations at the end of a two-year setup phase. The project runs for five years, with years three to five dedicated to operations and maintenance.
Who can use the optical network testbed facility?
Indian startups, industry players, students, researchers and industry professionals can access the facility for testing products and receiving hands-on training in optical networking technologies.
What technologies will the testbed include?
The facility will integrate optical core and access equipment, quantum security systems and third-party test and measurement tools from approved vendors.