The term “network” derives from “net” and “work,” signifying not merely a connection but a mechanism in which an interwoven structure generates value. True to its meaning, an information and communications network is a foundation—a social system, so to speak—that connects people, things, and information, bringing new functions and value to society.
Network Research Institute is engaged in research and development to pioneer the future of this field.

Under the Sixth Medium- to Long-Term Goals and Plan—a five-year initiative launched in fiscal year 2026—our institute is responsible for the innovative networks sector. Building on the technologies we have cultivated to date, we are conducting research and development on five core technologies aimed at realizing sustainable and resilient future information and communication networks that connect everything from the ground to space with high speed and reliability.

Here is an overview of these initiatives and the laboratories leading them.

Network Architecture Laboratory aims to realize network architecture technologies that integrate communications with computing and AI, enabling the automatic configuration of wide-area networks with high reliability, as well as the flexible maintenance and expansion of their functions.

Photonic Networks Laboratory is conducting research and development on technologies aimed at meeting future traffic demands through high-capacity optical fiber communication, as well as technologies designed to enhance the effective utilization, stable operation, and resilience of optical networks.

Optical Access Technology Laboratory is working to advance optical-radio integrated access infrastructure technologies that aim to improve power and resource efficiency and ensure stable data transmission by integrating and converging functions into ultra-compact devices.

Wireless Systems Laboratory is conducting research and development on integrated and advanced wireless access technologies that enhance the utilization efficiency, reliability, flexibility, and scalability of frequency resources, as well as on wireless system evaluation infrastructure technologies based on cyber-physical collaboration.

Finally, Space Communication Systems Laboratory aims to establish NTN integrated network infrastructure technology—comprising multiple orbits, systems, and operators across a wide area from Earth to space by fusing radio waves and light—as well as high-speed, flexible, and versatile optical communication infrastructure technology.

Our institute is committed to research and development, as well as contributing our findings back to society, while actively collaborating with universities, companies, and research institutions both in Japan and abroad. We sincerely look forward to hearing from those interested in our research and the practical application of our technologies, as well as to the participation of researchers who wish to take on the challenge of future network research with fresh ideas.

 We ask for your continued support and cooperation as we strive to fully unlock the true potential of networks and create an evolving infrastructure.

Director General
Masugi Inoue