A Tale of Networks Past and Present

🌐 What is a network?

A network refers to a "communication mechanism" that connects multiple computers and devices, allowing them to exchange data. This includes everything from familiar networks like home Wi-Fi connecting smartphones and PCs, to wide-area networks connecting multiple corporate locations. Furthermore, small-scale networks configured within a limited area are called "LAN" (Local Area Network), while large-scale networks covering a wide area are called "WAN" (Wide Area Network). Including these, networks can be thought of as "roads" for exchanging data (strictly speaking, a network using communication lines installed by a telecommunications carrier is called a WAN, and a network that does not is called a LAN).

🏦 My experience as a network engineer

In fact, when I joined my first company as a new graduate, I worked as a network engineer, responsible for designing and building banking settlement networks. At that time, hubs and TP cables were spread across every desk island in the office, and I physically felt what a "network" composed of "boxes" and "wires" was, thinking, "Ah, so this is a LAN..." However, recently, many services have moved to the cloud, and physical wiring, routers, and switches have become invisible. Basic terms like "LAN," "WAN," "router," and "switch" are still frequently used in exams like the Information Technology Engineers Examination, but I suspect many people find them hard to grasp as a tangible reality, as they feel like stories from a distant world.

⚙️ What network knowledge should we learn in this era?

So, what are the network mechanisms and technologies we should learn in this era? For example, the architecture is shifting from traditional hardware-centric to software-centric, as seen in "Software-Defined Networking (SDN)", which allows for flexible network control via software. Additionally, cloud-native environments assume virtualization and integration via APIs, requiring a mindset that designs and operates networks as a service, rather than just connecting device to device. However, since these technologies are developments of traditional mechanisms, the better you understand the basics, the deeper your understanding will be. In other words, basic knowledge and the latest technology are connected.

🚀 Cutting-edge trends in network technology

Where do the trends in network technology lie? The one currently receiving the most attention is, of course, "5G". This is a new generation of mobile communication that realizes low latency, high bandwidth, and simultaneous connection of numerous devices, supporting highly real-time applications such as IoT, autonomous driving, and AR/VR. And beyond that lies "6G". For 6G, the utilization of even higher frequency bands (terahertz bands) and network optimization through AI integration are expected, and research and standardization efforts are underway. In addition to this, network designs that combine cloud and edge, as well as mechanisms like network slicing, demonstrate the possibility that future networks could be virtually partitioned for each specific use case.

📰 Quick English News: Global 6G progress

• English:

  • Research and industry leaders are advancing 6G networks with AI-native radio access, terahertz links reaching hundreds of Gbps, and global alliances to ensure inclusive, secure and sustainable future wireless systems.

• Japanese:

  • Research and industry leaders are advancing 6G networks by leveraging AI-native radio access, terahertz communications reaching hundreds of Gbps, and global alliances to ensure inclusive, secure, and sustainable future wireless systems.

• Vocabulary:

  • advance: (transitive verb, SVO) to cause to progress (develop, move forward)

  • ensure: (transitive verb, SVO) to make certain, to secure

  • inclusive: (adj.) including all

• Grammar:

  • Structure: A are advancing B with C to ensure D.

  • A = Research and industry leaders

  • B = 6G networks

  • C = AI-native radio access, terahertz links reaching hundreds of Gbps, and global alliances

  • D = inclusive, secure and sustainable future wireless systems