KT-KISTI Launches Korea-US 400G National Science and Technology Research Network for the First Time

Processing Ultra-Large Data Four Times Faster Than Before
Korea–Chicago Connection Verified for Transmission Stability

KT announced on September 16 that it has launched Korea's first single international dedicated line between Korea and the United States with a 400Gbps bandwidth, which was built in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI).

KT CI. Provided by KT

This line serves as the international backbone of the national science and technology research network operated by KISTI, connecting the main headquarters in Daejeon with Chicago in the United States, a hub for North American and European research networks. The network bandwidth has been expanded fourfold, from 100Gbps to 400Gbps, allowing the large-scale research data required for global joint research projects to be handled far more reliably.

The two organizations have completed the construction of the subsea cable section and have verified its stability, thereby securing a foundation for the operation of ultra-high-speed, ultra-capacity research networks that can be practically used in real world research settings. As a result, it is expected that ultra-high-speed transmission of large-scale research data, enhancement of global connectivity for national research networks, expanded support for international joint research, and improved data utilization across fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), large-scale science, and convergence research will all be enabled.

KT is currently operating three subsea cable systems in Asia and two in North America, and has diversified its landing points to Busan and Geoje in Gyeongnam to minimize latency and transit risk in international sections. KT plans to gradually expand the capacity of its subsea cables and diversify its landing stations, thereby strengthening the foundation for stable global data exchange among domestic and international businesses and research organizations.

Jeon Myeongjun, Senior Vice President and Head of the Enterprise Services Division at KT Enterprise, said, "The opening of this new line is an important milestone in elevating the competitiveness of Korea's research and development (R&D) infrastructure. Leveraging KT's capabilities in international subsea cables and global backbone operations, KT will continue to collaborate with KISTI to enhance the global competitiveness of the national research network and support ongoing digital innovation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.