India’s First Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Over Multi-Core Fibre

India has achieved a major milestone in secure communication with the successful testing of the country’s first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) by C-DOT and Sterlite Technologies Ltd. (STL).
The test sustained QKD transmission over 100 km, using one core for quantum signals and the other three for high-speed classical data, showcasing the cost-effective, interference-free advantages of MCF for building a national quantum communication network.

Significance of MCF

• Allows physical separation of quantum and classical signals.
• Enables simultaneous transmission without interference.
• Reduces infrastructure and fibre deployment costs.