C-DOT unveils 14 indigenous quantum products to secure India’s networks

MUMBAI: Centre for Development of Telematics has unveiled 14 indigenous quantum products spanning Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), as India steps up efforts to secure its communication networks against emerging threats from quantum computing.

The products were launched during C-DOT’s 43rd Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi. The portfolio covers quantum-safe encryption, secure communications and specialised components for quantum communication systems, with applications across telecom, enterprise, wireless, optical, strategic and defence networks.

The launch was attended by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Amit Agrawal and other officials.

At the heart of the new range are QKD systems designed to generate and distribute encryption keys using quantum technologies. The Q-AKSHAY CD and Q-AKSHAY MD systems support different approaches to secure quantum key distribution, while C-SPD, a single-photon detector, and C-RD, a wideband RF driver, serve as key building blocks for quantum communication systems.

The broader portfolio also includes a series of PQC-based encryptors designed to protect existing and next-generation communication networks from cryptographic threats posed by future quantum computers.

Q-SETU is designed to secure Layer 3 communications at speeds of up to 80 Mbps, while Q-MAHASETU supports Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks with throughput of up to 40 Gbps. Q-VIKRAM and Q-PARAKRAM target strategic and defence communications, while Q-AMOGH is designed to secure high-capacity optical communication links at speeds of up to 200 Gbps.

C-DOT has also developed products aimed at more specialised use cases. Q-DARSHAN is a quantum-safe video IP phone, while Q-VACHAN can add quantum-safe security to existing IP phone infrastructure. Q-RAQSHAK is designed for enterprise networks, Q-VAAYU focuses on securing wireless point-to-point links, and Q-VAJRA1000 is intended to upgrade existing communication networks, including GPON and wireless radio infrastructure.

The products incorporate algorithms aligned with PQC standards developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, alongside indigenous technologies in select solutions.

Quantum computing has the potential to break several forms of encryption currently used to secure digital communications. The race is therefore on to develop systems capable of protecting sensitive data before large-scale quantum computers become a practical threat.

C-DOT’s new portfolio takes a two-track approach. QKD focuses on using quantum principles to securely generate and distribute encryption keys, while PQC uses new cryptographic algorithms designed to resist attacks from both conventional and future quantum computers.

The Centre said the products have been developed to translate indigenous research into deployable technologies that can strengthen the security and resilience of India’s communication infrastructure.

A Quantum Product Series booklet detailing the 14 products and C-DOT’s work in quantum communication technologies was also launched at the event.

With solutions ranging from compact QKD systems to high-speed optical encryptors and defence-grade communication tools, C-DOT is laying down a quantum-safe foundation for India’s networks, well before the quantum threat comes knocking.