program, the ministry will continue to study intelligent information agent and cyber space (3D images) communication methods.

## R&D on the Gigabit Network Technology

With the goal of realizing an ultra-high-speed network at the beginning of this century, the TAO mapped out a gigabit network for R&D purposes (JGN: Japan Gigabit Network) as an open test on a nation-wide basis. In fiscal 2001, by using the same facility, the organization conducted the expansion and strengthening of the aforesaid R&D gigabit network (adding compatibility with IPv6, etc.), R&D on the utilization of the gigabit network, and R&D on gigabit network technologies.

## Development of Terabit-Class Super Network

The e-Japan Priority Policy Program includes the realization of the Super Internet which would possess a processing speed that is 10,000 times as fast and a connecting capacity that is 30,000 times as large as the existing Internet. Starting in fiscal 2002 the MPHPT has been promoting the development of a terabit-class super network. The ministry has been engaged in R&D on technologies for controlling and managing a terabit-class traffic via the securest and most appropriate route, and for quickly processing connections from various systems such as IPs and mobiles that have a variety of transmission quality and speeds.

## R&D on Ultra-High-Speed Photonic Network Technologies

The realization of an ultra-high-speed network in an advanced information and communications society requires not only a backbone and access networks but high quality and efficient technologies that will process the transmission of information via optic signals on all nodes on the Internet. A network system created with these technologies is known as a photonic network. Since fiscal 2000 the MPHPT has conducted R&D through the TAO on such themes as technologies related to a higher-speed and wider-band backbone network, optic switching, technologies related to the operation of an optical network, and routing technologies within optic range. In addition, starting in fiscal 2001 the ministry has been engaged in R&D on a backbone photonic network technology, an accessline photonic network technology, and an Internet node full fiber optic technology.

## Next-Generation Information and Communications Technologies Utilizing New Principles and Technologies Such as Quantum Engineering and Nano Technology

Quantum information and communications technologies, and technologies that apply nano technology and bio-technology to information communications are a focus of attention as revolutionary technologies that have the potential to make possible networks equipped with such superior features as cipher communications with guaranteed high security, ultra-high-speed communications that surpass optical communications, and the self-assembly and repair of a living organism. In February 2000 the MPHPT received a report, the Information and Communications Research and Development Basic Plan, from the Telecommunications Technology Council, and since fiscal 2001 it has been engaged in R&D, through the TAO of Japan in alliance with academic, business and governmental circles, on quantum cipher technologies which are expected to become available for practical use in the relatively near future. In addition, since fiscal 1998 the ministry has been conducting Information and Communications Breakthrough Basic Research 21, which is a project for promoting basic and interdisciplinary research that could result in a breakthrough, rather than an extension of existing technologies.

## Measures Towards the Realization of Super Internet

The MPHPT is working towards making possible the establishment of basic technology that would realize the smooth distribution of various Web contents through the utilization of home information appliances and the Internet, and enabling every Japanese citizen to receive a wide range of Internet services at “any time” and “any place” through the production of electronic devices that will be equipped with Internet connectivity. In order to achieve the above, the ministry is currently engaged in R&D on home information appliances Internet (a comprehensive R&D on converting home information appliances into IPv6) and R&D on a Super Internet.

## Outlook for Ubiquitous Network Technologies

As the speed of networks will continue to become faster and faster, and as ways to access networks will become further diversified, the arrival of a “ubiquitous network society” where