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they could be entirely un-correlated, as may be the case with these two networks. This question

would assume importance only if we were to implement a purely owned network on lighted

fibres. On the other hand even in the hybrid approach, the e-governance network with an entirely

different geographical spread and much lower bandwidth requirements, can be realized as VPNs

and the security and flexibility aspect could be addressed by the inner core. The issue of

congruence of the two networks therefore no longer remains important and the two aspects can be

totally de-linked.

5.0 SECURITY AND PRIVACY:

Methods will have to be evolved both at the time of commissioning of the network as well as

during operations, to ensure security of data along with privacy and confidentiality. Access to

data from the Data Centre of a given institution should be under the control of the institution

being addressed. An arrangement for authentication and authorization, with the participation of

the connected institutions is essential to launch the network.

6.0 ONE TIME SUPPORT FOR LANS:

The proposed broadband network envisages 100 Mbps or higher access bandwidth and therefore

almost all the user institutions will have to upgrade their networks to be able to cater to these

speeds. While several institutions may have the resources for doing so, a large number will need

one time capital support to set up Fast Ethernet LAN (FELAN) which includes expenditure on

routers, switches and optic fibre cable on the campus.

7.0 COSTS:

The Knowledge Net initially proposed to be launched on existing commercial networks will

therefore involve a recurring cost of Rs 20-40 lakhs per institution connected, amounting to Rs

200-400 crores annually for 1000 institutions in the first phase. In addition there will be a one

time capital investment in upgrading the LANs of these institutions to a 100 Mbps capability Fast

Ethernet LAN. Thereafter, based on the feedback, the installation of the inner core network of 10

Gbps or higher capability will be taken up. This will involve a capital investment of around

Rs.1000 crores on a 7 or 8 node Inner Core network, its Gigabit connectivity to the commercial

IP-MPLS networks, as also direct connectivity to a few users who are particularly concerned

about the security and internetworking experiments. This expenditure will be incurred over a

period of time. There will be an additional recurring expenditure for this Inner Core on hiring

large bandwidths from bandwidth service providers. This amount will depend on the number of

nodes and the negotiated or bid-based price.

8.0 ORGANIZATION:

To ensure day to day coordination, operation and efficient utilization we recommend establishing

a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) consisting of major stakeholders. Such an SPV should have

professional experts pooled from various stakeholder institutions for coordinating and guiding

various private vendors for speedy implementation. The policy, security and overall management

should be the responsibility of the SPV and the operational support requirements should be met

by the industry. One of the compelling reasons for such a mechanism is to provide assurance that

the use of cyber space will in no way compromise the security concerns of the country.

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