Hyper Connective
In line with the spread and prevalence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and various wearable devices, the South Korean government has decided to establish a “Hyper-connectivity Intelligent Network” (HIN) by 2020. HIN is a network that connects all things and people everywhere in the country and provides Gb-like speed in both wired and wireless networks.
According to the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP) on Sept. 28, the ministry has come up with a “K-ICT HIN Development Strategy (Plan)” and decided to establish HIN in the country for the first time in the world by 2020.
The HIN is a network that combines two concepts of “hyper-connectivity” and “intelligent network.” Hyper-connectivity refers to a connection between all things and people at all times, along with the spread of the IoT, and a network that is able to provide high-capacity content, such as ultra-high definition (UHD) TV, holograms, and access to Big Data.
Also, an Intelligent Network is a network that delegates available resources appropriately by modifying security, speed, and real-time on its own according to situations and users’ demands.
If an HIN is established, the speed of wireless and wired networks will be 3.3 times and 10 times faster than current networks. The maximum speed of a wireless network will increase from the current 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps in 2020, while the figure of a wired network will rise from the current 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps in 2017.
The HIN configuration is similar to current networks. The IoT network will be added to the current networks of a backbone network, which is considered a communication highway, a wired network and a wireless network.
However, the latest technologies, such as SDN[099220], NFV, and TIPN will be applied to the backbone network in a bid to transport tens of terabits per second (Tbps). Also, the speed of the wired and wireless networks will be much faster than we have now.
The IoT network is a kind of wireless network, but it has the nature of the IoT. So, it has a small amount of data and low power consumption. Also, it should be designed to have a long frequency range and to allow thousands of devices to access the network at the same time.
In regard to intelligent e-networks, it will internalize security functions in network equipment, increasing security, and secure continuity even when disasters and other interruptions occur, improving stability and continuity.
This is because high credibility and stability and high bandwidth services are needed in order to provide healthcare, smart car, and UHD TV services through wireless networks in the future.
The MSIP estimates that it will cost a total of 38.5 trillion won (US$32.24 billion) to establish HIN by 2020. It is predicted that 37.1 trillion won (US$31.07 billion) from the private sector, including telecommunication companies, and 1.4 trillion won (US$1.17 billion) from the government will be invested into R&D to establish HIN.
An official from the MSIP said, “Once HIN becomes established in the nation for the first time in the world, Korea will not only secure core technologies of future networks, including 5th generation mobile communications and optical communications, but also make good use of ICT in all industries. Therefore, the convergence industry will grow in earnest and industrial efficiency will improve.”