Holistic Network Virtualization and Pervasive Network Intelligence for 6G

By Xuemin Shen, Jie Gao, Wen Wu, Mushu Li, Conghao Zhou, Weihua Zhuang. IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials, 2023

322 citations recorded by the source corpus.

In this tutorial paper, we look into the evolution and prospect of network architecture and propose a novel conceptual architecture for the 6th generation (6G) networks. The proposed architecture has two key elements, i.e., holistic network virtualization and pervasive artificial intelligence (AI). The holistic network virtualization consists of network slicing and digital twin, from the aspects of service provision and service demand, respectively, to incorporate service-centric and user-centric networking. The pervasive network intelligence integrates AI into future networks from the perspectives of networking for AI and AI for networking, respectively. Building on holistic network virtualization and pervasive network intelligence, the proposed architecture can facilitate three types of interplay, i.e., the interplay between digital twin and network slicing paradigms, between model-driven and data-driven methods for network management, and between virtualization and AI, to maximize the flexibility, scalability, adaptivity, and intelligence for 6G networks. We also identify challenges and open issues related to the proposed architecture. By providing our vision, we aim to inspire further discussions and developments on the potential architecture of 6G.

Subfields: Computer Networks and Communications, Electrical and Electronic Engineering

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/2460c7093c5dd78653b7c19a836334090e989256

How researchers see this paper

The researchers whose trusted networks rank it highest, strongest advocate first. Every researcher gets a different order.

In Computer Networks and Communications

1. Zehui Xiong
2. Weihua Zhuang
3. Jiawen Kang
4. Xuemin Shen
5. Qiang Yang
6. Chunyan Miao
7. Dusist Niyato
8. Haibo Zhou

In Electrical and Electronic Engineering

1. Zehui Xiong
2. Weihua Zhuang
3. Xuemin Shen
4. Dusist Niyato
5. Jiawen Kang
6. Qiang Yang
7. Chunyan Miao
8. Wei Yang Bryan Lim

Citations in the corpus

• AI-Native Network Slicing for 6G Networks (2021, methodology): “Second, resource virtualization using network slicing techniques and end user virtualization using digital twin techniques can facilitate advanced network virtualization to provide flexible network management [2], [3].”
• Unleashing the Power of Edge-Cloud Generative AI in Mobile Networks: A Survey of AIGC Services (2023, unknown): “In 6G [19], mobile edge intelligence based on edge computing systems, including edge caching, edge computing, and edge intelligence, for intelligent mobile networks, is intro-”
• A Full Dive Into Realizing the Edge-Enabled Metaverse: Visions, Enabling Technologies, and Challenges (2022, background): “(B5G/6G) communication systems promise eMBB (enhanced Mobile Broadband) and URLLC (Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication) [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], both of which enable”