South Korea to Quadruple National Network Capacity to Meet AI Demand

Seoul is⁣ preparing for an exponential surge in data traffic driven by the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) era, announcing plans to quadruple⁣ the capacity of its national backbone network by 2030. Currently operating at 2.4 terabits per second (tbps), the network will be expanded to 10 Tbps, a move officials say ‍is‍ crucial for ⁢reducing reliance on expensive foreign computing resources and fostering⁤ domestic AI‌ innovation.

The “Communication Aortic” of the ‍Nation

the national​ backbone network, often likened to the “Gyeongbu Expressway” of telecommunications in South Korea,‌ serves ⁢as the core infrastructure for the‍ nation’s data ⁤and communication systems.⁤ The planned upgrade will enable the transmission of‌ 32 high-definition movies per second, ‌highlighting the sheer scale of the anticipated increase in data flow.

The​ Ministry of Science and ⁢ICT ⁢anticipates AI usage​ will increase ‍ninefold between 2023 and 2033. While current ​AI applications largely center around large language models (LLMs),‍ the government foresees⁣ a dramatic rise in traffic as AI integration expands ⁢into ⁢robotics, autonomous vehicles, and broader industrial applications – collectively ‌known as AI transformation (AX).

Beyond Capacity: Innovation in Network⁣ Architecture

The government’s “network ⁣upgrading strategy,” slated for release next month, goes beyond simply⁢ increasing⁤ bandwidth.​ A key focus will be on technological ‍innovations within⁢ the communication network‍ itself,aiming​ to mitigate the demand ⁤for costly ‍graphics⁣ processing units (GPUs) – a critical ​component for AI operations. This strategy⁤ is viewed as ‍a potential ⁤game-changer, offering a⁢ path​ to close ‌the resource gap with global tech giants.

As the demand ⁢for high-performance computing is outpacing supply globally,

reducing the ‍need for ‌expensive GPUs ⁣through ​network optimization is a strategic priority. The plan centers on ‌localizing the technology that connects⁢ the internal workings of ⁤AI data centers ⁣with the broader network infrastructure. ⁣

“Data ⁢traffic, driven by ⁢increasing AI utilization in both daily life and professional settings, is expected to continue its ‌rapid ascent,” stated an industry official.⁢ “Proactive investment in next-generation network infrastructure is therefore essential.”

This push⁤ for localized network technology also​ reflects ⁢a growing strategic concern: AI’s increasing control over network management. ‍ the growth ⁣of “AI self-network” technology – where AI algorithms ‍optimize ⁣and manage network performance -​ is ⁢intensifying globally, and South Korea aims to establish a leadership position in this emerging field. By strengthening its domestic network capabilities, Seoul hopes to‌ secure its position in the AI era⁢ and reduce its dependence on external technologies.