A domestic research team has developed a next-generation networking platform that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and network technology. With the successful demonstration of platform-based application services, the realization of a human-centered, hyper-connected society, the new normal in the post-COVID-19 era, seems imminent.

The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced on the 3rd that it had successfully developed core AI-based intelligent edge networking technology through a research project commissioned by the Ministry of Science and ICT. This was linked to the nationwide KOREN network, and a demonstration and technology verification were also completed in conjunction with four application services.

The intelligent edge networking platform developed by ETRI is a next-generation core networking technology that combines AI and network technologies.

Through facial recognition and context-aware AI technology, it automatically recognizes information surrounding the user and provides necessary services quickly and safely at a location close to the user (edge).

ETRI researchers said that the event connector technology designed within the platform is the core technology for implementing this service.

It is a technology that acts as a link between AI and networks, appropriately distributing and processing data observed and collected by AI and transmitting it to the network.

Previously, only low-volume AI data was processed between terminals using the Internet of Things (IoT) or through the cloud with low security.

This technology enables fast, safe, and efficient communication and computation by utilizing servers close to people and objects.

ETRI successfully demonstrated and verified the technology of four services by linking KOREN between Daejeon and Pangyo: △Situation awareness-based video information transmission path control service △Situation awareness-based intelligent security networking service △Situation awareness-based network bandwidth control service △Situation awareness-based customized application service.

ETRI Network Research Center Director Kim Seon-mi said, “The combination of intelligent edge technology and networking technology allows for the rapid delivery and response of information to where it is needed in response to specific situations, facilitating the creation of new businesses. “It is expected to be highly utilized as a key technology for providing new experiences, especially in the new normal era,” he said.

The research team announced that they plan to further develop this technology and provide an innovative, next-generation distributed intelligence infrastructure environment for the expansion of AI services, allowing companies to freely develop and conveniently utilize AI application services.

This achievement was made possible through joint research with Netvision Telecom Co., Ltd., Cable Co., Ltd., FISIS Co., Ltd., and the Korea Network Industry Association as part of the Ministry of Science and ICT's 'Development of Artificial Intelligence-Based Intelligent Edge Networking Technology' project.

Through this project, ETRI has published more than seven SCI-level papers and applied for more than 15 domestic and international patents. Furthermore, ETRI is continuously pursuing technological industrialization, including six technology transfers to cloud and security-related companies.