Policy Update
Sreeja Mukherjee
Fig.1. Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/zHsC79mGzGZ1VvEf8
Background
The National Knowledge Network (NKN) is a state-of-the-art, high-speed gigabit-class network infrastructure established to connect educational and research institutions across India. The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure (CCI) approved NKN in March 2010 with an outlay of Rs. 5,990 crores. NKN is implemented by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), and it was conceptualized as a 10-year project. The need for NKN emerged from recognizing that frontier research and innovation globally are shifting towards multidisciplinary and collaborative paradigms requiring substantial communication and computational power. In order to improve research efforts in the nation, the main goals are to establish a strong digital infrastructure that would ease the flow of knowledge and information, solve the crucial problem of access, and establish a new paradigm of cooperation. NKN aims to connect over 1,500 institutions, including IITs, IIMs, universities, libraries, laboratories, healthcare institutions, and agricultural institutions, to foster a knowledge-driven society.
Functioning
The NKN is a multi-gigabit pan-India network facilitating seamless connectivity between participating institutions. It operates on a core backbone with distribution networks connecting various institutions at the edge. The network utilizes existing optical fiber cable networks from multiple service providers, including BSNL, RailTel, and Power Grid Corporation of India, to establish comprehensive connectivity nationwide. The network architecture adopts a proactive approach. It considers both the prospective future requirements and prospects for the growth of this infrastructure.
NKN’s operation is defined by several key features, which also enhance its potency as a platform for knowledge exchange. Its rapid backbone allows for multi-gigabit connectivity, which makes it easier for colleges all around the nation to share information efficiently. By guaranteeing quality of service through high availability, security protocols, and dependability criteria, the network serves essential research and educational operations. Researchers and students can work together efficiently regardless of where they are in the world thanks to participating institutions’ edge connectivity, which connects to NKN at gigabit speed. Additionally, NKN makes it easier to integrate several sectoral networks in the domains of research, education, health, commerce, and governance, resulting in a single platform for interdisciplinary cooperation. The network extends beyond national boundaries through global connectivity, enabling cooperation with international research communities by connecting to networks such as TEIN4, GARUDA, CERN, and Internet2. NKN also strengthens the digital foundation of administrative systems nationwide by acting as a superhighway for integrating e-Government infrastructure, such as government data centers and networks.
Fig.2. Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/1MgBT8XtgGKgbsAE8
Performance
In recent years, the NKN has made great strides, broadening its influence and reach throughout India’s research and education sector. It has effectively established a strong knowledge-sharing network by connecting more than 1,500 institutions, including prestigious establishments like IITs, IIMs, medical schools, and research organizations. The network has shown its potential for regional cooperation and knowledge sharing in South Asia by expanding its connectivity outside of India’s borders, particularly to Bangladesh. NKN has served as a crucial component of the National Supercomputing Mission by providing access to supercomputers for research and development activities nationwide. Furthermore, it has enabled advanced distance learning programs in a variety of specialized sectors, including science, engineering, and medical, enabling institutions to exchange knowledge and learning materials across national borders. Because of the network’s effective support of cooperative research activities, institutions have been able to work together on projects that require a large amount of processing capacity. Additionally, NKN has contributed to the streamlining of administrative processes in educational and research institutions across the nation by offering the infrastructure required for e-governance initiatives.
Impact
The implementation of NKN has had a range of effects on India’s scientific and educational landscape. By eliminating geographical limitations, NKN has enhanced research collaboration, enabling experts from throughout the country to work together effectively and generate more comprehensive and important research findings. Institutions can now share scientific databases and provide remote access to advanced research facilities. The network has revolutionized education delivery through educational transformation, facilitating high-quality distance education programs that have particularly benefited institutions in remote areas, allowing them to access educational resources and expertise from premier institutions. NKN has made a substantial contribution to the growth of digital infrastructure as the nation moves toward an infinite information society. By supplying the required networking infrastructure, it has proven essential to assisting national programs like as the National Supercomputing Mission and the Digital India campaign. The growth of NKN into Bangladesh and other nearby nations helps to foster regional ties. It is a prime example of India’s dedication to promoting regional collaboration in digital connectivity, as emphasized at the BIMSTEC Summit. In Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Nepal, Prime Minister Modi has pledged to implement NKN. Furthermore, research effectiveness has increased, effort duplication has decreased, and resource use has been maximized throughout institutions across the country thanks to pooled resources and computer facilities.
Emerging Issues
Despite its successes, several challenges have emerged in the implementation and expansion of NKN:
- Last-Mile Connectivity Issues: Some institutions struggle to establish reliable last-mile connectivity, particularly in rural areas, even with robust core infrastructure.
Solution: The solution is to use a range of technologies and service providers to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Underutilization of Network Potential: Due to lack of knowledge or technical know-how, many affiliated institutions do not make the most of NKN’s possibilities.
Solution: To optimize network utilization, capacity-building initiatives and awareness campaigns should be put into place.
- Sustainability Issues: As the first project phase draws to a close, consideration of the network’s long-term financial viability will be necessary.
Solution: The answer is to create a long-term financing plan that incorporates institutional and governmental contributions.
- Security Challenges: Increased connectivity brings heightened cybersecurity risks that need continued attention.
Solution: Implementing robust security protocols and regular audits to maintain network integrity.
- Limited International Collaboration: While domestic connectivity has improved, international research collaboration could be enhanced further.
Solution: Strengthening partnerships with global research networks and institutions.
Fig.3. Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/EQFVXiKFU4MrzobA7
Way Forward
In order for India to achieve its goal of becoming a knowledge superpower, NKN is still essential. To become more relevant and valuable in the ever-evolving digital ecosystem, NKN should focus on implementing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and big data analytics. To provide fair access to knowledge resources and close the digital divide, the network must broaden its scope to include all institutions of higher learning, especially those in underserved areas. To establish India as a knowledge center in South Asia and promote regional intellectual interchange, it would be crucial to fortify international partnerships, especially within the BIMSTEC area. To optimize the network’s influence across several areas of national significance, NKN should create customized apps and services for industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and climate research. The network will be able to adjust to changing institutional requirements and technical landscapes by establishing a framework for ongoing assessment and development.
An important breakthrough in India’s digital infrastructure is the National Knowledge Network. As it develops and grows, NKN will become more and more important in achieving the nation’s goal of an inclusive knowledge society by making a substantial contribution to research innovation, high-quality education, and cross-sector collaboration.
References
About the Contributor
Sreeja Mukherjee is affiliated with IMPRI as a Research Intern and pursuing Master’s in International Electoral Management and Practices at TISS, Mumbai.
Acknowledgement
The author extends sincere gratitude to Dr. Arjun Kumar and Aasthaba Jadeja for their invaluable guidance and support.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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