As we enter a new era of quantum communication, AI-led computing, and 5G/6G rollouts, today’s networks need a radical shift not just in speed, but in how they are built at the fibre level. STL’s Multi-Core fibre (MCF) is that shift. Unlike traditional fibre, which contains a single core per strand, STL’s MCF integrates multiple optical cores within one fibre, allowing parallel transmission of light signals. This unique multi-core architecture is encapsulated in a compact cable design, delivering up to four times more bandwidth in the same physical footprint.
This isn’t just about more capacity. It’s about enabling next-gen networks without the need for disruptive infrastructure upgrades. MCF can be seamlessly integrated into existing telecom ducts and architectures, making it a high-impact upgrade for metro, access, fronthaul, and long-haul networks. Operators get more fibre density, better spectrum efficiency, and significantly lower cost-per-bit all while using the same deployment pathways.
But STL’s innovation doesn’t stop at capacity. When MCF is paired with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the result is a quantum-secure communication channel. QKD brings a new layer of encryption, one that’s rooted in the laws of quantum physics. Any attempt to tamper with or intercept the data is immediately detected, creating a truly hack-proof infrastructure at the physical layer.
From hyperscale data centers and government networks to financial backbones and smart cities, STL’s MCF technology is setting a new benchmark. It’s not just fibre. It’s a foundation for secure, scalable, and future-ready networks.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) enables tamper-evident encryption at the physical layer—essential for espionage-proof communications.
MCF increases capacity per cable drastically—optimizing duct space, reducing CAPEX, and delivering multi-terabit connectivity.
Successfully validated over 48–100 km with 200G + Quantum transmission—real-world reliability, not just lab-tested.
A single deployment gives you both scalability and security—an investment in both today’s performance and tomorrow’s demands.
Planning a high-capacity, quantum-secure, future-ready network?
Let our experts guide you with the right MCF solution for your needs.
STL, in partnership with IIT-Madras and with support from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has successfully completed India’s first large-scale Multicore Fibre (MCF) deployment . This trial marks a significant milestone in the evolution of optical networking for the country.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the collaborative effort behind it, academic excellence, government support, and industrial expertise converged to deliver a future-ready solution. With this successful trial, STL and IIT-Madras have set the stage for scalable, high-speed, and efficient digital infrastructure in India. This project proves that with the right partnerships, the future of connectivity is closer than ever.
Whether you’re building a secure financial backbone, deploying a hyperscale DC, or enabling 6G-ready fronthaul—STL MCF is your next step forward.
Explore our comprehensive range of Optical Fiber Cables, designed to meet diverse networking needs. Our portfolio includes Multi Loose Tube, Unitube/Central Fiber Core, Micromodule, Tight Buffer, Flat Ribbon, Intermittently Bonded Ribbon, and Specialty cables. Each cable type is engineered for optimal performance across various applications, ensuring high-speed data transmission and reliability. Browse our catalogue to find the ideal solution for your networking requirements.
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7.4mm 288-fibre micro cable
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End-To-End Optical Cable Solutions
STL's state-of-the-art range of optical fibre solutions as part of STL Cosmos can endow your network with the capabilities to reimagine network connectivity.
Fibre optics refers to the technology and the medium associated with the transmission of data as light pulses along a ultrapure strand of glass, which is a thin as a human hair.
Due to increasing data demands, there's a dire need to create new fibre deep networks and data centres, which would encourage faster 5G and FTTH adoption.
The world is getting smarter and connected. Converged and high bandwidth application networks have unique challenges which make high performance connectivity a top priority.
Multi-Core Fibre, or MCF, is an advanced type of optical fibre that contains multiple cores (light paths) within a single fibre strand. In contrast, traditional fibre has just one core. With MCF, each core can carry data independently, which means it can transmit much more data without increasing the size of the cable. Think of it as upgrading from a single-lane road to a multi-lane highway — all within the same space.
MCF allows telecom operators to significantly boost bandwidth without digging new trenches or replacing entire infrastructure. It helps maximize the use of existing ducts and reduces both installation time and cost. In simple terms, it’s a smarter, faster, and more cost-effective way to expand network capacity.
Yes, absolutely. STL’s MCF cables are designed to fit into existing duct spaces just like regular fibre cables. There’s no need for major civil works or redesigns — making it a convenient upgrade for telecom providers.
Yes. STL’s MCF is built to work seamlessly with commonly used equipment and connectors. This ensures smooth integration with existing setups and avoids the need for expensive overhauls or special tools.
Yes, STL’s MCF is versatile and can be deployed across various layers of the network — from long-distance (long-haul) routes to urban (metro) networks and even last-mile (access) infrastructure. It's engineered for performance, wherever it’s used.
MCF is built to support the next generation of network demands, including quantum communication, AI workloads, 5G and 6G. It offers the flexibility to scale capacity as traffic grows, without needing major infrastructure changes — making it highly future-ready.
Yes. STL’s MCF is proudly designed and manufactured in India, and it’s ready for global rollout. It meets international quality standards and is already being used in live field deployments.
Absolutely. STL offers tailored solutions based on your network needs, geography, and growth plans. Our experts can guide you through the right MCF configurations and deployment strategy.
It’s simple. Just book a consultation through our website or contact our team directly. An STL MCF expert will help you explore the right solution based on your network goals.
By using multiple cores inside a single fibre, MCF can carry several light signals in parallel — drastically increasing total bandwidth. It’s like sending multiple data streams through one pipe instead of one — multiplying performance without increasing size.
MCF Success Story: STL and C-DOT Secure India’s Digital Future
In a landmark moment for India’s digital future, STL and C-DOT came together to achieve something extraordinary! The country’s first quantum-secured communication network, powered by STL’s indigenously developed Multi-Core fibre (MCF). This wasn't just a lab experiment; it was a live, high-performance deployment. Over a 48 km link in Chennai, the network carried 200 Gbps of data, seamlessly integrated with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to ensure tamper-proof encryption at the physical layer.
The result? A fully operational, field-tested proof of how MCF can transform national infrastructure. This collaboration didn’t just set a new benchmark for security and scalability, it marked the beginning of India’s quantum communication era.