Overview

The Network Research Division conducts research on the fundamental aspects and advanced applications of network technologies. The division also manages the university’s network infrastructure which connects several research facilities and five campuses.

Integrating Networking and Computing for Advanced IT Infrastructure

The Internet was introduced to Japan in 1986 as an experimental network connecting three universities -—the University of Tokyo Information Technology Center (previously known as the University of Tokyo Computer Centre), Keio University, and Tokyo Institute of Technology. Since then, the Internet has been an essential part of our daily lives, and demand for its availability and reliability has continued to grow. Moreover, advancement in information infrastructures requires further integration of networking and computing. Security has also become a growing concern as cyber threats become more varied.

The Network Research Division conducts research on networking and computing by examining both fundamental and advanced research topics. Our mission involves designing, constructing, and operating the university’s campus network system, UTNET. We apply our knowledge of network operation to our research while also applying the results of our research to enhance network operation.

Research Subjects

Advanced Networking

We are researching routing technologies, network protocols, and system software, which compose data communication networks, for flexible design and practical operation of backbone networks and high-speed networking. We are also investigating architectures for information systems specialized for real-time IoT systems.

User Interface for Enhancing Daily Life

We are researching interfaces in AR/VR environments and cross-modal interfaces focused on interactions between the sensory modalities, with the aim of creating new experiences. We aim to develop technologies that enhance people’s well-being by focusing on the five senses, in areas such as entertainment and health.We are also investigating 3D interaction techniques, context recognition, and user authentication using mobile devices.

Campus-wide SD-WAN System

We are researching and developing a software-defined WAN system called the ASANO System, which can immediately provide network access and security functions at geographically distributed places using overlay network technology. We are also operating the ASANO System in our university’s campus network.