C-DOT and IIT Kharagpur Teams Up to Make Next Gen Broadband Technology 

C-DOT, the Telecom R&D center of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT-K), have signed an agreement for the development of prototypes for a 10-Gigabit-capable symmetric Passive Optical Network (XGS-PON) Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Unit (ONU), as announced by the Ministry of Communications (MoC) on Saturday. 

Understanding OLT and ONU 

The OLT serves as a crucial component in a passive optical network (PON) architecture, acting as the central point connecting the optical network to the broader service provider network. In the context of XGS-PON, the OLT will support symmetrical 10-Gigabit speeds for both upstream and downstream data transmission. Meanwhile, the Optical Network Unit (ONU) is situated at the customer premises, linking the customer’s network equipment to the broader optical network. 

Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Scheme 

The agreement is reportedly signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. This initiative provides funding support to domestic companies and institutions engaged in the design, development, and commercialization of telecommunication products and solutions aimed at enabling affordable broadband and mobile services in rural and remote areas. 

Advancing Prototypes for Enhanced Connectivity 

Under this project, IIT Kharagpur will develop prototypes for a 10-Gigabit-capable symmetric passive optical network (XGS-PON) optical line terminal (OLT) and optical network unit (ONU). The initiative aims to introduce new designs, developments, and commercialization avenues for the 10 Gbps upstream and downstream access network technology solution, thereby fostering the growth of affordable broadband and mobile services across India. 

Both C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics) and IIT-K have expressed their enthusiasm and reiterated their firm commitments to advancing this engagement further, as stated by MoC.