Artificial Intelligence for 6G Networks: Technology Advancement and Standardization

Abstract

With the deployment of 5G networks, standards organizations have started working on the design phase for sixth-generation (6G) networks. 6G networks will be immensely complex, requiring more deployment time, cost and management efforts. On the other hand, mobile network operators demand these networks to be intelligent, self-organizing, and cost-effective to reduce operating expenses (OPEX). Machine learning (ML), a branch of artificial intelligence (AI), is the answer to many of these challenges providing pragmatic solutions, which can entirely change the future of wireless network technologies. By using some case study examples, we briefly examine the most compelling problems, particularly at the physical (PHY) and link layers in cellular networks where ML can bring significant gains. We also review standardization activities in relation to the use of ML in wireless networks and future timeline on readiness of standardization bodies to adapt to these changes. Finally, we highlight major issues in ML use in the wireless technology, and provide potential directions to mitigate some of them in 6G wireless networks.

Toward native explainable and robust AI in 6G networks: Current state, challenges and road ahead

“…Despite being in the early stages of conceptualization, some key aspects of the future infrastructure have been identified by the community: 6G will bring a paradigm shift from "connected things" to "connected intelligence," supporting even more stringent KPI requirements than 5G, and global coverage [2]. Therefore, there are strong expectations that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will permeate the 6G network infrastructure, allowing for much swifter and more effective decision-making in scheduling, control, and orchestration operations of the end-to-end communication systems [3]. Ultimately, this will allow 6G to support ambitious performance targets such as near-zero latency, apparent infinite capacity, and near 100% reliability and availability, to support new and diverse classes of innovative mobile services.…”