C-DOT Unveils 14 Indigenous Quantum Technologies for Cyber Security

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Key takeaways

C-DOT launched 14 indigenous quantum products during its 43rd Foundation Day to protect India's communication networks against quantum-era cyber threats.
The product suite includes Q-AKSHAY CD and Q-AKSHAY MD for quantum key distribution along with encryptors like Q-AMOGH offering up to 200 Gbps speed.
Established in 1984, C-DOT operates under the Department of Telecommunications to build self-reliant telecom and quantum communication technologies for India.

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) operates under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in the Ministry of Communications.
During its 43rd Foundation Day celebrations, C-DOT unveiled 14 indigenous quantum products to secure India's communication networks.
These new technologies focus primarily on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to protect against advanced cyber threats.

Q-AKSHAY CD is a compact optical fibre-based QKD system using Coherent One-Way (COW) and Differential Phase Shift (DPS) protocols for secure key distribution over fibre networks.
Q-AKSHAY MD is a fibre-based QKD system operating on the Measurement Device Independent (MDI) protocol to prevent measurement-device vulnerabilities.
Q-VIKRAM and Q-PARAKRAM are defence-grade encryptors using PQC algorithms at Layer 2 and Layer 3 of the OSI model to protect strategic communications.
Q-AMOGH is a high-capacity optical encryptor offering quantum-safe protection up to 200 Gbps at Layer 1 for high-speed optical networks.
Q-MAHASETU is a commercial-grade quantum-safe encryptor that supports data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps at Layer 2 and Layer 3 for enterprises.
Q-SETU is a quantum-safe encryptor designed for commercial data communications delivering speeds up to 80 Mbps at Layer 3.
The system incorporates global standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to shield data from quantum computing risks.
C-SPD is a single-photon detector hardware component designed to catch individual photon signals in quantum networks.
C-RD is a wideband Radio Frequency driver used to control intensity and phase modulators within quantum communication systems.

The OSI model consists of a 7-layer framework that governs how data travels between devices across a network.
Layer 1 (Physical Layer) transmits raw binary data across physical cables and wireless hardware signals.
Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) manages direct data communication between two physically connected devices on the same network.
Layer 3 (Network Layer) handles the routing, addressing, and forwarding of data packets across different networks.
Layer 4 (Transport Layer) ensures reliable end-to-end delivery of data segments with error checks and flow control.
Layer 5 (Session Layer) establishes, maintains, and terminates active communication channels between software applications.
Layer 6 (Presentation Layer) formats, encrypts, and compresses data so that applications can read it clearly.
Layer 7 (Application Layer) provides direct network services and interfaces to software applications used by human beings.

Quantum Computing relies on quantum mechanics to execute complex computations far beyond the power of classical supercomputers.
A Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network uses light particles called photons to share secret encryption keys between users without leakage risks.
If an eavesdropper tries to intercept a QKD key, the disturbance in quantum states immediately exposes the intrusion to both users.
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) uses mathematical algorithms built to resist decryption attempts by future quantum computers.
While QKD depends on quantum physics and requires specialised physical hardware, PQC relies on complex mathematical equations and works on existing networks.

The Indian government established C-DOT on 24th August 1984 as an autonomous telecom research center under the Department of Telecommunications.
C-DOT played a historic role in driving India's telecom revolution by modernising rural telephone exchanges and digitising the national grid.
The institute has built core solutions across Next Generation Networks (NGN), Terabit Routers, DWDM, Wi-Fi, and cybersecurity software.
For IoT and smart cities, C-DOT created the oneM2M standard-based Common Services Platform (CCSP).
The center actively researches futuristic technologies including 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and quantum communication.
Through its technology transfer model, C-DOT supports domestic telecom equipment manufacturers under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Its technical innovations provide critical infrastructure for BharatNet, bringing high-speed optical broadband to thousands of rural villages.