The IOWN APN: Pioneering a New era of Network Performance and Applications
The future of networking is evolving beyond conventional infrastructure. The IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) project, spearheaded by NTT, is at the forefront of this change. Its core innovation, the Open APN (Request-Program Network), promises too redefine how applications are delivered and experienced, moving beyond the limitations of conventional networks. This article delves into the capabilities of the IOWN APN, its early successes, and its potential to unlock a new wave of applications – from immersive entertainment to sovereign AI infrastructure.
Beyond Traditional Networks: The Power of Distribution
Historically, network components were centralized and managed by a single entity.The IOWN APN breaks this mold. It leverages the same underlying components but distributes them geographically, enabling operation by multiple organizations. This distributed architecture is key to unlocking unprecedented scalability, resilience, and performance.
early Applications: From Live Performance to Network Management
The potential applications of the IOWN APN are vast. Key areas of focus include:
* Traffic Control: Optimizing flow and reducing congestion through real-time data analysis.
* Digital Twins: Enabling more efficient management of physical assets through virtual replicas.
* Optical Transport Systems: Revolutionizing network operations with enhanced bandwidth and reduced latency.
* Streaming Video & TV: Delivering immersive, high-quality experiences with minimal buffering.
Cho Kabuki: A Landmark Demonstration of Low-Latency Performance
A compelling demonstration of the APN’s capabilities came in May 2025 with Cho Kabuki. This groundbreaking theater performance seamlessly synchronized live and virtual performers across Osaka, Japan, and Taipei City, Taiwan.
Despite a 3,000km distance, the 100Gbps optical network – a collaboration between NTT and Chunghwa Telecom – achieved remarkable results:
* One-way latency of approximately 17ms.
* Round-trip time of 33.84ms.
* Zero jitter and stable communication.
This performance highlighted the APN’s ability to deliver a truly interactive experience, even across significant geographical distances. The project was built on an agreement signed in October 2023, leveraging the combined expertise of Chunghwa Telecom and NTT in optical and wireless technologies. It connects Chunghwa Telecom’s headquarters in Taipei with NTT’s Musashino R&D Center in Japan.
The Latency Breakthrough: A Paradigm Shift
According to Kawashima, a key figure in the IOWN project, the Cho Kabuki demonstration underscored a critical insight. “We used to know that latency was very vital, and using fibres would help us reduce the latency,” he explains.”but once we deployed the [APN], what we have found is that the very short latency would help us as if we were in the same place, even if we were remotely separated.”
This low latency isn’t just a technical improvement; it fundamentally alters the user experience, blurring the lines between physical and virtual environments. It represents a significant departure from the limitations of traditional networks.
Looking Ahead: AI and the Future of Distributed Computing
The success of Cho Kabuki is paving the way for further innovation. Kawashima anticipates a surge in demand for IOWN APN-connected venues, such as stadiums and concert halls, to facilitate high-quality live streaming.
However, the potential extends far beyond entertainment. The APN is poised to play a crucial role in the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence,specifically in addressing the growing need for sovereign AI infrastructure.
* Remote GPU Access: Enabling access to powerful graphics processing units for AI workloads,regardless of location.
* Sustainable AI Infrastructure: Deploying AI datacentres in rural areas with abundant renewable energy sources.
* global Connectivity: Connecting these datacentres to urban R&D campuses, fostering collaboration and innovation.
The IOWN APN’s high bandwidth, low latency, and robust transport capabilities make it uniquely suited to support these demanding applications. By distributing computing power closer to renewable energy sources, the APN can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable AI ecosystem.
The IOWN project isn’t simply building a faster network; it’s creating a platform for a new generation of applications that will reshape how we live,work,and interact with the world.
Further Exploration:
* [IOWN – The next applications for the next-gen network architecture](https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/
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