Networking equipment refers to the hardware and software components used to create, manage, and maintain communication networks. This includes devices such as routers, switches, hubs, firewalls, and related infrastructure that enable data transfer and connectivity within a network. Networking equipment plays a crucial role in facilitating communication, data sharing, and the overall functionality of computer networks.
While the private sector is actively acquiring networking equipment, government agencies in India also obtain a substantial quantity of such equipment. For Instance, the Indian Army invests a lot in networking devices to make communication secure and enhance coordination for military operations. Government-owned industries like Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Western Coalfields Limited also invest in networking equipment to improve communication and secure data transfer for their business operations. According to the data compiled by Tendersniper from various public sources, Indian government entities published a total of 14,459 tenders for networking equipment over the past 12 months, spanning from October 2022 to October 2023. Maharashtra leads with 1,719 tenders, representing approximately 11% of the overall count, followed by Delhi with 1,510 tenders. The networking device purchases undertaken by government agencies fall under multiple categories: switches, routers, and firewalls.
Network switches
A network switch is a critical networking device operating at the data link layer, connecting and managing communication within a local area network (LAN). It intelligently forwards data based on MAC addresses, reducing congestion by directing information only to the intended device. With multiple ports, switches facilitate the seamless connection of various devices. Advanced features like VLAN support and Power over Ethernet enhance network flexibility.
As per Tendersniper’s compiled data from diverse public sources, Indian government agencies have collectively released 5,939 tenders for networking switches out of a total of 14,459 tenders for networking equipment during the last 12 months (i.e., from October 2022 to October 2023). Noteworthy is Maharashtra’s substantial contribution, accounting for 701 tenders, approximately 11% of the overall count, while Odisha has released 299 tenders. These procurement opportunities extend across diverse sectors, including army and defense, education, industry, and banking. A further sector-wise breakdown of network switches is provided below.
In India, there are several governmental entities within the army and defense sectors actively buying networking switches to ensure secure communication and information exchange for military operations. For instance, the Indian Army issued tenders for various switches such as Power over Ethernet (PoE), Ethernet, Port, and Layer 3 – Access Switch, while the Department of Defence Production and Department of Defence published tenders for 16-port Gigabit switches and Layer-3 Core Switches. Additionally, Central Armed Police Forces and Central Police Organizations issued tenders for SAN Switches. Among the 5,939 tenders announced in the past year, the police and defense sector accounted for 1,873 tenders, representing 31.53% of the total.
Beyond military applications, technical education institutions acquire network switches for fostering collaborative learning, integrating technology into classrooms, and supporting online collaboration tools, virtual classrooms, and interactive learning resources. Notably, institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar and the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut issued tenders for 16-port non-manageable PoE Layer 2 access switches. Similarly, higher education institutions like Yogi Vemana University and the Department of Higher Education released tenders for D-Link 24-port Switches and Core Distribution Access Switches. Additionally, school departments, including the Department of School Education and Literacy, published tenders for Industrial Ethernet Switches and 24-port switches. Out of the 5,939 tenders issued in the previous year, 1,254 (21.11%) originated from the education sector.
A few other sectors, including industry, banking, airports, infrastructure, and planning, acquire network switches through tenders. Government entities such as Oil and Natural Gas Corporation issued tenders for L2 Switch, Punjab National Bank published tenders for AMC of Network Switches, the Airports Authority of India issued tenders for Non-PoE Switch, the Public Works Department acquired for Industrial Grade Manageable Gigabit Switch, and the Department of Expenditure published tenders for supply of Layer-3 Distribution Switch.
As of December 25th, 2023, there are currently 149 active tenders for network switches. Among these, Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir account for 32 tenders, constituting 21%. Madhya Pradesh follows with 21 tenders, representing 14%. Additionally, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab collectively contribute 16 tenders, making up 11% of the total. This distribution highlights that government agencies across India advertised for network switch tenders.
Network routers
Network routers operate at the network layer, facilitating the intelligent routing of data packets between different computer networks. They determine efficient paths for data, interconnect networks, and often incorporate security features like NAT and firewalls. Routers play a fundamental role in managing data flow within complex network infrastructures.
According to the data compiled by Tendersniper from various public sources, Indian government entities have collectively issued 1685 tenders for network routers out of 14,459 tenders for network equipment released in the past 12 months (October 2022 – October 2023). Delhi notably leads with 201 tenders, constituting approximately 16% of the total, while Uttar Pradesh has published 157 tenders. These opportunities for procurement span various sectors, encompassing army and defense, education, industry, and banking. A further detailed breakdown of network switches across different sectors is presented below.
In India, government army and defense agencies play a significant role as major procurers of routers, ensuring secure and efficient data transfer across various army units and command centers. For example, the Indian Army issued tenders for the installation of Tenda routers, WiFi routers, D Link routers, and wireless routers. Noteworthy entities such as the Department of Defence and Department of Defence Production published tenders for N300 Router and SD-WAN licenses for new core routers. Additionally, organizations like the Central Armed Police Forces published tenders for WAN routers and 4G routers. Out of the 1685 tenders released in the past year, 409 (24.27%) were specifically related to the police and defense sector.
Education institutions represent another significant segment of government entities acquiring routers. For instance, the Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute issued tenders for routers and internet connectivity, facilitating activities like web browsing, email communication, and access to online services. The Department of School Education and Literacy published tenders for 4G Mobile WiFi Routers, while the Higher Education Department invited tenders for L3 Routers. Out of the 1685 tenders released in the past year, 201 (11.92%) were explicitly linked to the education sector.
Several additional organizations, such as the Central Board of Excise and Customs, issued tenders for TP-Link Routers. ECOR published tenders for the supply of Wireless ADSL 4-port Routers. The Department of Science and Technology released tenders for CISCO routers and Western Coalfields Limited issued tenders for Dual Band Routers.
As of December 25th, 2023, there are currently 54 active tenders for network routers. Among these, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh collectively present 10 tenders, comprising 19% of the total. Madhya Pradesh follows closely with 8 tenders, accounting for 15%. Maharashtra and West Bengal contribute 7 tenders, representing 13%, while Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir jointly offer 6 tenders, making up 11% of the total. This distribution highlights that government agencies across India advertised for network router tenders.
Firewall
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined rules. It acts as a barrier between internal networks and the internet, preventing unauthorized access and enhancing data security. Firewalls are crucial for safeguarding networks against cyber threats and ensuring the integrity of data.
Out of a total of 14,459 tenders for networking equipment in the last 12 months (October 2022 to October 2023), Indian government entities collectively released 1295 tenders specifically for firewalls. Maharashtra notably leads with 164 tenders, constituting around 12% of the total, while Telangana has published 68 tenders. The procurement opportunities cover diverse sectors, including industry, army and defense, education, textile, and banking. A more detailed breakdown of firewalls within each sector is provided below.
In India, there are several government owned industries, including Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and the Department of Heavy Industry, significant buyers of firewalls. For example, Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited issued tenders for Industrial Firewalls, to protect industrial control systems (ICS) like supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) from cyber threats. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas published tenders for support services related to Fortinet Firewalls, while the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited tendered for the procurement of the NGFW Firewall. Additionally, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) released tenders for the subscription and AMC renewal for Fortigate 400D Firewall Fortianalyzer. Out of the 1295 tenders issued in the past year, 221 (17.06%) were explicitly associated with the industry sector.
The Indian Army issued tenders for both web application firewall and NGFW Firewall, for protecting sensitive military information, securing communication channels, and countering evolving cyber threats. The Department of Defence released tenders for firewall solutions, including PC firewalls and GajShield virtual next-generation firewalls. Additionally, the Central Armed Police Forces issued tenders for UTM Firewalls tailored for wide-area networks (WAN).
Besides the above sectors, organizations, such as RRVUN issued tenders for Sophos XGS 2100 firewalls. The Centre for Development of Telematics invited tenders for the renewal of the Annual Maintenance Contract for Palo Alto Firewalls. NHDC Ltd issued tenders for Next Generation Firewalls, and the Electrical Research And Development Association released tenders for the Supply and Installation of Network Firewalls.
As of December 25th, 2023, there are currently 44 active tenders for firewalls. Among these, Delhi and Gujarat collectively issue 8 tenders, constituting 18%, while Punjab contributes 6 tenders, representing 14%. Uttar Pradesh follows closely with 5 tenders, making up 11%, and Karnataka and Tamil Nadu jointly present 4 tenders, accounting for 9% of the total. This distribution highlights that government agencies across India advertised firewall tenders.
Conclusion
This analysis highlights a significant demand for networking equipment, including network switches, network routers, and firewalls, within various sectors of Indian government entities and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). With the substantial number of network components tenders being issued annually, the government segment is impossible to ignore. It is recommended that manufacturers and distributors of network switches, network routers, firewalls vendors, actively monitor and participate in networking equipment tenders.