Summary
The target of the collaboration is to develop a low-cost, low-frequency 5G network set-up for villages
The key objective of the project is to create a 5G base station and single-box solution
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and Larsen & Toubro Infotech are set to initiate collaborative research in the field of 5G. The global technology consulting and digital solutions company will be partnering with one of India’s leading research institutes to innovate in the emerging 5G spaces. The collaboration will aim to enable 5G frameworks validation, low-frequency RF deployments and use case testing with a 5G testbed.
With the target of improving connectivity in rural India, research towards the development of a low-cost, low-frequency 5G network setup will be promoted by LTI and IIT Madras. To enable this improved rural connectivity creating a 5G base station and single-box solution is the key objective. The tech company is set to provide expertise for research capabilities and offer infrastructure support to IIT Madras in designing the low-cost base stations and network.
This collaboration is in line with LTI’s commitment to promoting research and innovation (SDG 9 - Industry, innovation, and Infrastructure). The project, which is a part of the company’s one-step corporate social responsibility programme, aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Make-in-India’ initiative as it plans on supporting the development of an indigenous 5G network.
“5G promises to facilitate the next level of innovation to build a smarter society, but it is important to ensure that these benefits reach every part of our country. LTI’s partnership with IIT Madras reflects our commitment to leverage this technology to connect people from remote parts of India in a better way,” said Nachiket Deshpande, chief operating officer and executive board member of LTI.
Mahesh Panchagnula, dean (alumni and corporate relations), IIT Madras, spoke about the research and development capabilities of the institution. “IIT Madras's 5G testbed project is an effort to encourage Indian start-ups and the industry to take an early lead in 5G. The goal of the project is to build a testbed that closely resembles a real-world 5G deployment,” he said.
“5G technology has immense potential and could prove to be the best option to bridge the digital divide in India. For evolved urban areas, it will help advance and enhance the benefits of digital technologies over a faster connectivity network. Our core strength of academic excellence will provide the right partnership platform needed to contribute towards the digital goals of our nation. We look forward to our collaboration with LTI and aim to create a positive impact for society at large,” said Radha Krishna Ganti, the assistant professor of the electrical engineering department at IIT Madras and principal investigator for this CSR project.
The partnership will build and validate cases leveraging the 5G testbed. This will lead to its application in multiple domains such as Smart Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, Smart Cities and Media further, reinforcing LTI’s expertise on 5G based solutions.
Setting up of cutting-edge 5G framework will lead to an acceleration of the nation’s digital transformation journey by allowing individuals to utilize the 5G infrastructure.
Last updated on 28 Jan 2022
