For his efforts to improve internet productivity in Pakistan, a professor at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has won a global honor. On behalf of his group, Zartash Afzal Uzmi received an ISIF Asia prize at the Internet Governance Forum in Japan.
In recognition of his team’s work on Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) at LUMS, Zartash Afzal accepted the award on their behalf.
It is significant to remember that IXPs play a critical role in guiding traffic to websites and social media platforms. Additionally, it facilitates faster communication.
Pakistan currently has three IXPs. Utilizing infrastructure located at the Punjab Information Technology Board and Higher Education Commission. The LUMS team significantly contributed to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA’s) success in establishing these IXPs.
Furthermore, the LUMS team was recognized for their continued work to improve these IXPs. They improved IXPs through the use of cutting-edge networking technologies, or “Software Defined Networking.” Along with them, Mr. Mubasher Gondal, an economic specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, and Dr. Sahibzada Ali Mahmud, managing director of KPITB attended this prestigious event. Furthermore, Sajid Latif, director general of e-Governance at PITB also attended the occasion.
Surprisingly, in a lab environment, researchers have successfully incorporated SDN technology into an IXP without these characteristics. This wasn’t previously thought to be possible without beginning the IXP from the start.
In addition, the IXPs in Pakistan are going to get this cutting-edge technology thanks to Dr. Uzmi and his colleagues. Additionally, he is confident that his findings will encourage content goliaths like Facebook and Google to expand their operations within the Pakistan IXP. Ultimately assisting in the improvement of internet speed in the nation.
“Having large networks of distributors and providers based locally could make a significant impact in providing equal web access,” stated Dr. Uzmi. He reaffirmed his dedication to giving users in Pakistan a “better and faster experience on par with solutions elsewhere in the world.”
It should be mentioned that initiatives using cutting-edge technology and research to improve Internet development in the Asia-Pacific area are eligible for Information Society Innovation Fund (ISIF Asia) prizes, which are managed by the APNIC Foundation.
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