Cisco, IIT Delhi set up networking lab

NEW DELHI: Cisco Systems, Inc. and IIT Delhi have announced the launch of the ‘advanced networking research lab’ at IIT Delhi, which is the first of its kind in India. This is a result of a MoU signed between Cisco and IIT Delhi in April 2000. The networking giant will be investing $200,000 in the venture and will provide training and other related materials.

The lab will be a resource center for faculty and students to conduct research and for students to obtain hands-on training for evaluating and demonstrating Cisco's Architecture for Video, Voice and Integrated Data (AVVID) solution. Cisco's investment will cover the cost of equipment (routers, high-end gigabit switches, firewalls and a complete VoIP solution and VoIP phones), maintenance and fellowships for the MS/PHD students every year.

Cisco's commitment to the fellowship program will initially be for a period of four years. This apart, Cisco will also provide internships for qualified students at its Global Development Center in Bangalore. Cisco along with IIT Delhi will initiate collaborations for joint research and explore the possibility of sending selected researchers for visits to Cisco facilities in India, US or elsewhere.

The research will initially focus on Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks and in future will include a nation-wide test network to study quality of service (QoS) and related issues. This is especially relevant, considering the immense opportunities held by the global market for Voice over IP (VoIP).

Inaugurating the lab Cisco Systems vice president and general manager (new business venture) Prem Jain said, "India is well recognized now for its qualified technology manpower. By creating this lab, we are giving an opportunity to the best talent to develop solutions for future communication technologies on the IP platform. Cisco will leverage its resources to market the world class solutions that are developed at the lab".