Future network technology reached a major milestone as China commissioned a national ICT test infrastructure. As a result, the platform showed dramatic improvements in data transmission speed. Consequently, officials described the launch as strategically significant.
Recently, China approved and activated the China Environment for Network Innovation in Nanjing. Specifically, the facility operates in Jiangsu Province. Meanwhile, authorities confirmed full national acceptance this month.
Overall, the project serves as China’s first national science infrastructure for information networks. In practice, it supports testing, verification, and deployment of advanced architectures. Additionally, researchers can access the system at low cost.
During a recent demonstration, the platform transmitted massive scientific data rapidly. Previously, such volumes needed nearly two years to move. Now, engineers highlighted the efficiency breakthrough.
More precisely, 72 terabytes of astronomical data traveled across provinces in 1.6 hours. Initially, the data originated from the FAST telescope in Guizhou. Subsequently, it arrived at Huazhong University in Hubei.
Under traditional internet conditions, that transfer would require 699 days. Therefore, the test highlighted major efficiency gains. Moreover, researchers confirmed stable transmission throughout the process.
Following the demonstration, Liu Yunjie, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering, commented publicly. He said the platform elevated China’s global network capabilities. Furthermore, he emphasized readiness for AI-driven industries.
Meanwhile, FAST generates nearly 100 terabytes of data daily. For this reason, faster transmission remains critical. Accordingly, CENI now supports continuous scientific operations.
At the core, future network technology underpins the platform’s design. To achieve this, engineers built programmable and virtualized systems. At the same time, they ensured open sharing for users.
In parallel, the development team created a service-customized network architecture. Additionally, they launched the world’s first distributed large-network operating system. Together, these advances enable deterministic wide-area networking.
Beyond that, the team advanced optoelectronic integration technologies. As a result, these innovations support the East Data, West Computing strategy. Consequently, policymakers prioritize balanced computing resources nationwide.
The project required more than ten years of construction. Today, the network spans 40 cities across China. Notably, optical transmission lines exceed 55,000 kilometers.
Operationally, CENI runs continuously and supports complex testing. At present, it can host 128 heterogeneous networks simultaneously. Furthermore, it enables thousands of parallel service experiments.
Separately, Wu Hequan, another engineering academician, highlighted future applications. He said the platform supports 5G-Advanced and 6G development. Already, enterprises test new technologies on the system.
Importantly, future network technology also accelerates artificial intelligence training. Because large models require extensive iterations, speed matters. Consequently, CENI sharply reduces processing time.
According to Liu, one AI training round now takes about 16 seconds. Previously, traditional systems required far longer. Therefore, the improvement reduces costs significantly.
During construction, the team shaped industry standards. In total, they contributed to 206 international and domestic standards. Moreover, they secured hundreds of patents and software copyrights.
Several innovations earned national science awards. In response, officials praised the project’s collaborative structure. Universities, laboratories, and enterprises all contributed expertise.
Looking ahead, CENI will support key sectors nationwide. For example, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and education will benefit. Additionally, the low-altitude economy will gain support.
Accordingly, authorities expect the platform to accelerate the Digital China Initiative. Policymakers view network infrastructure as foundational. Likewise, industry leaders share that assessment.
Today, future network technology anchors China’s expanding data ambitions. As such, the platform enables speed, reliability, and scale. Analysts therefore expect broader adoption across industries.
Ultimately, CENI positions China for long-term digital competitiveness. Going forward, officials plan expanded access for researchers and firms. In conclusion, the project marks a new chapter in network innovation.
