C-DOT, the R&D arm of the Department of Telecommunications, has launched four products: a long distance WiFi system, a solar powered WiFi system, a 100 Gbps OFC link and a ‘next generation’ network launched on MTNL’s network. The products were launched by IT minister Ravi Prasad today under the Digital India initiative. Next Generation network: C-DOT released a technology that will let telecom operators switch from time division multiplexing technology (used on regular phones) to VoIP technology. The agency mentions that it developed the various components of hardware and software required indigenously. Additionally C-DOT mentions a trial run has been successfully executed for 1000 landline customers of MTNL already. MTNL will be able to use the tech to migrate its voice, video and data services through the internet, and migrate its 3.5 million subscriber base to an IP based network. Long distance WiFi: According to C-DOT its long distance WiFi solution was designed for providing WiFi connectivity in remote and inhospitable terrains. The device is capable of providing 100 Mbps although the agency does not mention the range. However, the agency claims that the devices will work even where direct line of sight is not possible, using mesh technology. It claims to support link redundancy in case of failure of one link. Solar powered WiFi: While the previous initiative will broadcast WiFi, these solar powered stations will generate electricity for for the broadcast station as well as receive Internet signals. These stations will operate in license exempt bands of 2.4…
