The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) is embarking on the construction of an ultra-high-speed network ecosystem, considered a core infrastructure for the era of artificial intelligence (AI).

ETRI announced on the 24th that it has launched the HINT Forum.

The explanation is that as generative AI and mega-AI services become more widespread, the importance of sharing large-scale computing resources and real-time data transmission between AIDCs is growing, thereby requiring next-generation network technologies that support ultra-high-speed, ultra-low-latency, and high-capacity connections.

Together with the AIDC Network, the HINT Forum researches interconnection technologies in various fields, including core and backbone networks—the key segments of the national telecommunications network—access and metro networks connecting users and services, and industrial convergence networks for industrial sites such as smart factories and autonomous driving, while promoting domestic and international standardization activities.

The research team is developing ultra-low latency, lossless, and high-bandwidth packet optical transmission network technology between AIDCs, an open transmission network fabric operating system based on AI workloads, and technologies for building and standardizing the AIDC network ecosystem.

ETRI announced that it is participating in the Ministry of Science and ICT's 'Data Center Network Infrastructure Technology Leading Project' and conducting research on transmission technology between AIDCs, scale-up and scale-out technologies within data centers based on optical networks, establishment of infrastructure equipment verification environments, and PoC verification.br />
ETRI held the HINT Forum inaugural general meeting and workshop at the Gonjiam Resort in Gyeonggi-do for two days starting on the 11th.

Approximately 90 experts from industry, academia, and research attended, and along with the launch of the forum, a kickoff meeting for the AIDC Network Business Council and a plaque presentation ceremony for the 'Data Center Network Specialized Research Center' designated by the Ministry of Science and ICT were also held.

Attendees shared AIDC network technology trends, the status of R&D projects, and standardization strategies, and discussed ways to expand cooperation.

Kang Tae-kyu, a principal researcher at ETRI and chairman of the HINT Forum founding preparatory committee, stated, “In the AI era, not only computing resources but also network technology that efficiently connects them will be key factors determining national competitiveness,” adding, “I look forward to the HINT Forum establishing itself as a collaborative platform that leads the domestic AI network technology and standardization ecosystem.”

The HINT Forum is operated with the support of the Korea Information and Communications Technology Association (TTA) as part of the Ministry of Science and ICT's ICT standardization support project, and plans to promote the industrialization of AI network technology and international standardization activities.

This event was jointly hosted by the HINT Forum and the AIDC Network Business Council, and jointly organized by TTA and the Office of Computer and Telecommunications Industry Association (OSIA).