Southeast University Unveils Jiangsu’s First AI-Powered 10 Gbps All-Optical Campus Network

NANJING, China – Southeast University in Jiangsu Province has launched China’s first AI-powered 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) all-optical campus network, establishing a new digital foundation for advanced education and research.

The network, developed in partnership with ZTE, leverages 50G-PON technology to deliver ultra-high-speed connectivity and minimal latency across the university’s Sipailou Campus. This initiative aims to accelerate data transfer, enhance interactive teaching, and drive long-term digital development for the 120-year-old institution.

The demonstration network extends across core campus areas, including academic buildings, expert facilities, and student dormitories. It incorporates 50G-PON technology to enable three-generation, five-mode convergence alongside 50G extended channel upgrades. The architecture is described as “simplified, green, and agile,” integrating FTTR-B (Fiber-to-the-Room-for-Business), Wi-Fi 7, and intelligent AI scheduling.

Test data confirms impressive performance metrics, with both uplink and downlink rates consistently exceeding 10 Gbps. The network achieves an end-to-end latency as low as 0.1 milliseconds. This performance is further enhanced by three core AI capabilities: zero-wait roaming assistance, zero-interruption anti-interference measures, and AI-driven radio frequency (RF) tuning, which collectively boost throughput by 25% compared with conventional solutions.

The enhanced network significantly transforms research capabilities. 50G ultra-broadband access facilitates “lightning-fast transfer” of substantial research data. This high-speed link connects the on-campus supercomputing center with China Mobile’s large model base, establishing an express lane for the entire “data – computing power – industrial application” process. A postdoctoral researcher at Southeast University noted that transferring large datasets, previously time-consuming, is now nearly instantaneous, fostering more ambitious research.

Teaching scenarios have also undergone a substantial upgrade. The 10 Gbps optical network, combined with an AI-powered training platform, has created a new type of zero-latency, immersive interactive teaching environment. At the MBA Center, 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) board writing is synchronized in real time, while 3D models and virtual simulation content are presented without loss. Cross-campus interactive teaching now operates smoothly, effectively removing traditional spatial and technological barriers to enhance the learning experience.

Asia Implications

China’s investment in advanced digital infrastructure, exemplified by Southeast University’s new network, underscores its national strategy to integrate artificial intelligence and high-speed connectivity into key sectors. This initiative positions Jiangsu Province at the forefront of educational technology adoption within China, potentially serving as a model for other academic institutions seeking to upgrade their digital ecosystems.

The collaboration between a major university and a telecommunications giant like ZTE highlights a broader trend of public-private partnerships driving technological advancement in the region.

The deployment of 50G-PON and Wi-Fi 7 technologies at this scale suggests a forward-looking approach to internet infrastructure, aiming to support increasingly data-intensive applications in education, scientific research, and eventually, broader economic sectors. This development could enhance China’s competitiveness in scientific innovation by providing researchers with unparalleled access to computational resources and data transfer capabilities, accelerating breakthroughs in various fields. Such infrastructure improvements are critical for fostering a highly skilled workforce and sustaining economic growth in the digital age.