Revolutionizing Telecom with Fiber Sensing: A Conversation with Badri Gomatam of STL

In an exclusive interview with Amit Singh, Badri Gomatam, Group Chief Technology Officer of STL (Sterlite Technologies), shares his insights on the transformative potential of fiber optic sensing (FOS) technology in India. He discusses STL’s innovations, the critical role of fiber optics in 5G and IoT infrastructure, and the company’s efforts to drive awareness and adoption across sectors like telecommunications, infrastructure, and transportation. From preventing animal deaths on railway tracks to enhancing telecom security, Gomatam highlights how STL is addressing challenges and shaping the future of India’s digital infrastructure

In India, we see a growing but still nascent adoption of fiber optic sensing solutions. Early applications are primarily in industries like telecommunications, oil & gas, power transmission, and infrastructure monitoring. The technology’s ability to provide real-time monitoring and early warnings of potential threats is invaluable. While the potential is immense, wider adoption is progressing slowly owing to a few factors such as high cost and lack of awareness in terms of the full potential of the technology. The initial investment is estimated to be 10-20% higher than conventional technologies.

However, we at STL see immense potential for this technology to revolutionize various sectors, from telecom and infrastructure to transportation and security. With end to end in-house capability of this technology, STL is keen on driving awareness, developing cost-effective solutions, and collaborating with partners to accelerate the adoption of fiber sensing across India.

India’s diverse and often challenging environmental conditions require robust and adaptable solutions. STL has developed fiber optic cables designed to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and even rodent interference. Our expertise extends to specialized installation techniques for both buried and aerial deployments, ensuring the network’s resilience. We also offer remote monitoring and AI-powered predictive maintenance to proactively identify and address potential issues, minimizing downtime and maximizing network lifespan.

To handle the complexities of deployment in diverse terrains, STL utilizes advanced techniques such as horizontal directional drilling and micro-trenching, which minimize disruption while ensuring efficient installation. The company’s focus on local manufacturing enables the customization of solutions to meet specific regional requirements, enhancing adaptability and resilience. Last, but not the least, our solutions can be seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructure, leveraging dark fiber where available, making adoption more feasible for a wider range of users.

Fiber optic sensing (FOS) uses the physical properties of light while it travels along a fiber to detect changes in temperature, strain, vibration, and other parameters. When implemented in critical usage such as railway deployments, it can benefit in detecting rail fractures, and track trespassing, and mitigate risks from unauthorized digging or landslides near tracks. As India spearheads digital transformation, the government is exploring the adoption of optical fiber-based intrusion detection systems (IDS). FOS offers key benefits in preventing animal deaths on railway tracks, especially with rising incidents involving cattle and elephants. In 2022, over 13,000 cattle were struck by trains in India, marking a 24% increase from 2019, according to the BBC. Additionally, official data reports 36 elephant fatalities from train collisions over the past decade. To combat these issues, Tamil Nadu has implemented an AI-based surveillance system. STL’s fiber optic sensing technology can play a crucial role by detecting land movement and tracking trespassing, thus enhancing safety and saving lives.

Fiber optic systems, such as the one being implemented by Indian Railways in Kerala, detect vibrations caused by animals crossing tracks, triggering real-time alerts for timely interventions like slowing down trains or activating warning signals. Combining fiber optics with AI, as seen in Sensonic’s solutions, enhances accuracy by differentiating between animals and assessing their size and movement patterns, thus improving alert precision and reducing false alarms. The high cost of sensors has limited the deployment of FOS solutions in India, with telecommunications companies seeking more affordable options. STL is uniquely positioned to address this challenge, thanks to our comprehensive in-house capabilities for fiber sensing technology.

Implementing an optical fiber-based intrusion detection system (IDS) offers significant benefits for enhancing India’s telecom infrastructure. One of the primary advantages is enhanced security. Optical fiber IDS provides real-time threat detection, identifying unauthorized access or tampering with telecom infrastructure and triggering immediate alerts. This system ensures comprehensive coverage, extending across extensive areas along the network, including remote and vulnerable locations, thereby fortifying overall infrastructure security. The reliability of optical fiber IDS is evidenced by its sensitivity in monitoring vibrations and disturbances, which helps minimize false alarms. This system’s low maintenance requirements and scalability contribute to its cost-effectiveness. As an example, optical fiber technology supports the government’s BharatNet project, which aims to connect over 250,000 Gram Panchayats with high-speed networks, demonstrating its role in expanding and securing telecom infrastructure.

Future advancements in optical fiber IDS technology will integrate AI and machine learning for enhanced analytics, sophisticated anomaly detection, and automated responses. Improved encryption will bolster data security, protecting against cyber threats. Innovations will lead to more sensitive sensors with broader detection ranges, and ongoing cost reductions will make these systems more affordable for widespread deployment across India’s telecom infrastructure.

As 5G networks expand, creating high bandwidth, low latency requirements, and complex deployments, optical fiber service providers must innovate rapidly. STL is well-positioned to leverage these opportunities with its expertise in fiber optics, crucial for 5G and IoT infrastructure. STL’s solutions support smart city initiatives, smart agriculture, and industrial automation, aiming to enhance network performance through ongoing R&D. 5G and IoT promise transformative advancements, improving sectors like autonomous vehicles, remote healthcare, and extensive device connectivity, which will create new business models and enhance efficiency across industries. STL is well-positioned to leverage 5G and IoT opportunities with its expertise in fiber optics, essential for developing high-speed, low-latency infrastructure. STL also integrates IoT solutions to support smart cities and explore new markets like smart agriculture and industrial automation. The company’s R&D focuses on innovative solutions for connected environments, enhancing network performance; STL’s solutions ensure high-speed connectivity and reliable global data network connections.

AI is set to transform the telecom infrastructure sector in India by enabling smarter, more efficient network management. STL integrates AI into its solutions to provide:

STL is advancing fiber optic sensing (FOS) technology in India through several strategic initiatives. The company is focusing on developing and deploying cutting-edge fiber optic sensing solutions tailored to the Indian market. These solutions are designed for infrastructure monitoring, environmental sensing, and security applications. To address the high costs associated with FOS, STL is investing in local manufacturing and scaling production, making these solutions more affordable and accessible. Additionally, STL is forming strategic collaborations with government agencies and industry stakeholders to integrate fiber sensing into major infrastructure projects, ensuring the technology meets specific needs.

The impact of these initiatives is expected to be significant. STL’s advanced FOS will enhance the monitoring and management of critical infrastructure, such as railways, power grids, and pipelines, leading to improved safety, operational efficiency, and timely maintenance. By making FOS more cost-effective and demonstrating its benefits, STL anticipates broader adoption across various sectors, including smart cities and industrial automation. As a leader with 715 patents and 160mm thin solutions, STL is committed to delivering cutting-edge, cost-effective solutions that drive industry growth and set new standards in fiber optic sensing technology.