Daily Current Affairs : 7-November-2024

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee to develop an advanced Millimeter Wave (mmWave) Transceiver. This collaboration aims to enhance 5G connectivity, especially in rural areas, under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme. The goal is to address connectivity challenges in remote regions and contribute to India’s overall telecom infrastructure.

What is a Millimeter Wave Transceiver?

A millimeter wave transceiver is a device that transmits and receives signals in the millimeter wave frequency range, typically between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. This technology is crucial for enabling high-speed wireless communication, which is vital for next-generation networks like 5G.

  • How it Works: The mmWave transceiver uses small cells that emit high-frequency waves, providing faster data rates over shorter distances. These small cells are placed in clusters to maintain continuous coverage, ensuring reliable connections.
  • Advantages:
    • High data rates and large bandwidth
    • Low latency, improving user experience
    • Minimal interference from other systems
    • Compact antennas suitable for Internet of Things (IoT) devices
    • Enhanced data capacity for high-demand applications
  • Disadvantages:
    • Limited range due to physical barriers
    • Susceptible to signal loss from rain, humidity, and other obstructions
    • Higher manufacturing costs and the need for clustered cell placement

About the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)

The Telecom Technology Development Fund, or TTDF, was established by the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003. Initially known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund Scheme, it is designed to promote research and development in telecommunications technology, especially for rural and remote areas.

  • Key Objectives of TTDF:
    • To support the development of affordable broadband and mobile services
    • To foster innovation in telecom technology and indigenous manufacturing
    • To promote collaborations between startups, academia, and industry
  • Features of TTDF:
    • Provides financial grants to Indian entities for telecom innovation
    • Encourages the creation of Intellectual Property (IP)
    • Supports the design, prototyping, and testing of telecom technologies
    • Aims to reduce reliance on imports and enhance the domestic telecom ecosystem

Impact of the Collaboration

This partnership between C-DOT and IIT Roorkee will contribute significantly to bridging the connectivity gap in rural areas, where the demand for faster and more reliable internet is growing. By leveraging the benefits of mmWave technology, the project aims to improve data speeds and reduce latency, helping rural communities access essential digital services and participate in the digital economy.

Important Points:

  • C-DOT and IIT Roorkee Partnership: Collaborating to develop a Millimeter Wave (mmWave) Transceiver to improve 5G connectivity in rural India.
  • Millimeter Wave Transceiver Technology:
    • Works in the 30-300 GHz frequency range for high-speed wireless communication.
    • Uses small cells emitting high-frequency waves for fast data rates over short distances.
    • Advantages: High data rates, low latency, minimal interference, compact antennas, and increased data capacity.
    • Disadvantages: Limited range, signal degradation due to physical barriers and weather, higher manufacturing costs.
  • Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF):
    • Supports R&D in telecom technology, especially for rural and remote areas.
    • Provides grants to Indian entities for telecom innovation and indigenous manufacturing.
    • Encourages collaboration between startups, academia, and industry.
  • TTDF Objectives:
    • Promote affordable broadband and mobile services in rural areas.
    • Support the development of intellectual property and reduced imports.
    • Foster the growth of India’s telecom ecosystem through design, prototyping, and testing.
  • Impact on Rural Connectivity:
    • Aims to improve 5G network speeds and reduce latency in underserved rural regions.
    • Helps bridge the digital divide and promotes economic growth in remote areas.

Why In News

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has signed an agreement with IIT Roorkee to jointly develop a Millimeter Wave Transceiver, a key technology aimed at enhancing 5G connectivity in rural areas, under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme. This collaboration is expected to help bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed internet access to underserved regions, supporting India’s broader vision of expanding reliable connectivity nationwide.

MCQs about C-DOT and IIT Roorkee to Improve Rural 5G with mmWave Technology

  1. What is the main objective of the collaboration between C-DOT and IIT Roorkee?
    A. To develop new mobile phones
    B. To improve 5G connectivity in rural areas
    C. To build more telecom towers
    D. To create cheaper internet plans
    Correct Answer: B. To improve 5G connectivity in rural areas
    Explanation: The primary aim of the C-DOT and IIT Roorkee partnership is to develop a Millimeter Wave Transceiver to enhance 5G connectivity, especially in rural areas, under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme.
  2. Which frequency range does the Millimeter Wave (mmWave) Transceiver operate in?
    A. 1-10 GHz
    B. 30-300 GHz
    C. 100-500 MHz
    D. 5-20 GHz
    Correct Answer: B. 30-300 GHz
    Explanation: The Millimeter Wave Transceiver operates in the 30-300 GHz frequency range, which is essential for high-speed wireless communication, particularly for 5G technology.
  3. What is one of the key disadvantages of mmWave technology?
    A. High data rates
    B. High resistance to physical barriers
    C. Limited range and susceptibility to weather interference
    D. Easy installation
    Correct Answer: C. Limited range and susceptibility to weather interference
    Explanation: One of the main drawbacks of mmWave technology is its limited range, as it is easily blocked by physical objects and is prone to signal degradation from weather conditions like rain and humidity.
  4. What does the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) support?
    A. Importing foreign telecom products
    B. Research and development of telecom technology in rural areas
    C. Development of global telecom networks
    D. Subsidizing international telecom services
    Correct Answer: B. Research and development of telecom technology in rural areas
    Explanation: The TTDF aims to support R&D in telecom technology, particularly for improving services in rural and remote areas. It helps foster innovation, indigenous manufacturing, and collaborations between startups, academia, and industry.

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