South Korea to Quadruple National Network Capacity to Meet AI Demand
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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
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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.