Samsung SDS said on Aug. 24 it had won Seoul National University’s project to transition to a next-generation network platform to build an intelligent campus.

The company said the project focuses on building high-performance network infrastructure needed for AI research and education and laying the groundwork to convert Seoul National University into an “AI-native campus.”

Seoul National University plans to improve wired and wireless campus network quality across a total of 243 buildings used by about 50,000 people. It also plans to shift to an 800 Gbps-class ultra-high-speed, high-bandwidth network environment so data needed for AI research can be sent and received quickly.

As a result, students will be able to use a stable network anywhere on campus, including classrooms, labs and libraries. It will minimise speed slowdowns and interruptions during network access and provide a user-centred environment that allows users to apply for and use needed services more easily.

Faculty members and researchers will be able to transmit large-scale AI training and research data quickly and reliably on a high-bandwidth network. That will allow them to carry out data-intensive AI research more smoothly.

IT staff will be able to reduce operational burdens by automating repetitive tasks such as user device authentication and providing network services. Seoul National University will also pursue stronger security through logical network separation and the automation of network operations.

Kil-gon Ko (고길곤), head of Seoul National University’s Information Systems Office, said the project will secure a foundation for an intelligent campus and accelerate digital and AI innovation across education, research and administration. He said the university will realise its vision of becoming a global leading AI university by improving the network in a way that satisfies all members.

Jeong-heon Lee (이정헌), head of Samsung SDS’ Strategic Marketing Office and a vice president, said Samsung SDS will build a stable and convenient intelligent campus environment based on its capabilities in large-scale SDN design, construction and operations. He said it will make it a standard model that universities worldwide refer to.