Daehan Gwangtongsin (Korea Optical Communication)
Overview
Daehan Gwangtongsin (Korea Optical Communication) is a term encompassing South Korea's optical communication technology and related industries, which have grown rapidly since the 1990s alongside the construction of high-speed internet infrastructure. Data transmission technology using optical fibers has been a key driver in making South Korea a world-class information and communication powerhouse, and it currently serves as the foundation for advanced technologies such as 5G/6G communications, data centers, and autonomous driving.
Main Content
Historical Background
The history of optical communication in South Korea began with research at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in the 1980s. Full-scale commercialization was pursued with the establishment of the high-speed information communication network plan in 1995, and in the early 2000s, South Korea attracted attention by commercializing FTTH (Fiber to the Home) services for the first time in the world. Subsequently, 100Mbps-class optical LAN became common in the 2010s, and 10Gbps-class symmetric internet services are expanding in the 2020s.
Key Technologies
- Optical Fiber Cable: Single-mode fiber (SMF) and multi-mode fiber (MMF) are used, and South Korea possesses world-class optical fiber manufacturing technology.
- WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing): A technology that maximizes bandwidth by simultaneously transmitting light of multiple wavelengths over a single optical fiber; Korean telecom operators have commercialized 100Gbps-class WDM systems.
- Optical Amplifier: EDFA (Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier) technology minimizes long-distance transmission loss, and domestic companies supply core components.
- PON (Passive Optical Network): Subscriber network technologies such as GPON and XGS-PON have advanced to provide high-speed internet to homes and businesses.
Major Companies and Institutions
- KT, SK Broadband, LG U+: The three major domestic telecom operators, which directly build and operate optical communication networks, providing FTTH and enterprise dedicated line services.
- Daehan Gwangtongsin Co., Ltd. (대한광통신(주)): An optical communication specialist company founded in 1999, manufacturing optical cables, optical transceivers, and optical amplifiers, and has also entered overseas markets.
- ETRI: Leads research on fundamental optical communication technologies, developing next-generation technologies such as 400Gbps-class optical transmission and quantum cryptography communication.
- Optisis, KMW: Specialist companies in optical communication components and equipment, competitive in the global telecommunications equipment market.
Application Fields
- High-Speed Internet: Home FTTH, enterprise dedicated lines, and data center interconnections.
- 5G/6G Mobile Communications: Backhaul and fronthaul connections between base stations and core networks.
- Data Centers: Optical interconnects for high-speed data transmission between servers.
- Medical: Medical optical fiber applications such as endoscopy and laser surgery.
- Defense: Military communication networks, radar, and weapon systems utilizing optical communication.
Latest Trends
As of 2024-2025, the Korean optical communication industry is undergoing the following changes.
- Expansion of 10Gbps Internet Commercialization: KT and SK Broadband are expanding 10Gbps symmetric internet services to major cities, ushering in the era of 10Gbps for homes.
- Surge in AI Data Center Demand: With the spread of generative AI, the construction of large-scale data centers is increasing, leading to explosive growth in demand for high-speed networks based on optical communication. Domestic companies are focusing on developing 400Gbps/800Gbps-class optical transceivers.
- Commercialization of Quantum Cryptography Communication: ETRI and telecom operators are collaborating to apply Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology to optical communication networks, piloting secure communication services.
- Increased Investment in Submarine Optical Cables: Domestic companies are participating in Asia-Pacific submarine cable projects (e.g., SEA-ME-WE 6) with South Korea as a hub, strengthening its role as a global network hub.
- Full-Scale 6G Research: From 2025, research on terahertz (THz) bands and optical wireless communication technologies for 6G communications is actively underway, with optical communication emerging as a key technology for 6G backhaul.
- Enhanced Localization Rate: Following Japan's export restrictions, the localization of core optical communication components (optical fiber preforms, optical transceiver chips) is accelerating, with a target localization rate of 70% by 2025.
Related Topics
- [[Optical Fiber]]
- [[FTTH]]
- [[Korean Telecom Operators]]
- [[Data Center]]
- [[5G]]
- [[Quantum Cryptography Communication]]
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