• Nokia’s simple and energy-efficient passive optical LANsolution is deployed at 100 schools to create a digital-based educational environment
• Initiative is part of the Korean Ministry of Education’s Green Smart School program to transform existing school facilities into smart learning environments
• The digital transformation program will be extended within the Gyeonggi-do region and to additional schools across the country

Nokia announced that the company, in collaboration with distribution partner, Dongkuk Systems, and Erum I&C, specializing in school networks, has successfullyinstalled its Optical LAN solution in 100 schools including kindergartens, elementary, middle and high schools in the Gyeonggi-do region. The deployment aims to enhance the existing infrastructure and provide a high-capacity network to support digital learning. This initiative is part of the Korean Ministry of Education’s Green Smart School program to transform existing school facilities into smart learning environments for new-age and digital ways of learning, including the creation of large-capacity multimedia classes. Following this successful implementation, the project will be expanded across the region and extended to additional schools nationwide.

The newly upgraded network allows the educational institutions to conduct Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR)-based classes. The network is also capable of being upgraded to 10G and beyond without any additional cabling.

Nokia’s solution, including Passive Optical LAN (POL), Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Terminal (ONT), is designed to streamline operations and reduce energy consumption cost-effectively by decreasing equipment and cabling expenses. Nokia, Dongkuk Systems and Erum I&C customized the solution for the specific needs of the schools.

Dongkuk Systems and Erum I&C are Nokia’s long-term business partners. While DongkukSystems is responsible for providing a stable supply chain for the project, Erum I&C ensures seamless product delivery, network design, installation, commissioning and maintenance aspects of the project.

Kwang Seon Kim, CEO of Dongkuk Systems, said: “We are delighted to successfully deploy Nokia’s POL solution in 100 schools across the Gyeonggi-do region. The new upgraded network will lead to improved learning experiences and foster engagement between the students and teachers in the digital world. We have a longstanding relationship with Nokia and are looking forward to working with them in the nationwide expansion of this project.”

Jung Yong Park, CEO of Erum I&C, said: “Legacy networks are not built to address the needs of digital learning, which demands a network designed for large-capacity transmission. Nokia’s POL solution allows educational institutions to quickly expand capacity while keeping costs under control. Seamless collaboration and cooperation between all of the partners ensured a timely and seamless execution of the project.”

Josh Lee, Head of Enterprise at Nokia Korea, said: “We are excited to be part of this prestigious project to digitally transform the learning and teaching experience in Korea. With the growing adoption of digital learning, the network environment is increasingly becoming a crucial part of the education infrastructure. Our POL solution is designed to boost network performance while increasing efficiencies, thus enabling educational institutions to extend the benefits of digitalization to a greater number of students in a cost-effective manner.”