6G White Paper on Machine Learning in Wireless Communication Networks

TL;DR

This white paper explores how machine learning will transform 6G wireless networks by enabling self-optimization, solving complex problems across network layers, and supporting the digital society's connectivity needs.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of ML methods applicable to 6G wireless systems and discusses key research questions for future development.

Findings

ML will enable zero-touch network optimization

ML techniques can address problems across all network layers

Future research questions guide 6G ML integration

Abstract

The focus of this white paper is on machine learning (ML) in wireless communications. 6G wireless communication networks will be the backbone of the digital transformation of societies by providing ubiquitous, reliable, and near-instant wireless connectivity for humans and machines. Recent advances in ML research has led enable a wide range of novel technologies such as self-driving vehicles and voice assistants. Such innovation is possible as a result of the availability of advanced ML models, large datasets, and high computational power. On the other hand, the ever-increasing demand for connectivity will require a lot of innovation in 6G wireless networks, and ML tools will play a major role in solving problems in the wireless domain. In this paper, we provide an overview of the vision of how ML will impact the wireless communication systems. We first give an overview of the ML methods that have the highest potential to be used in wireless networks. Then, we discuss the problems that can be solved by using ML in various layers of the network such as the physical layer, medium access layer, and application layer. Zero-touch optimization of wireless networks using ML is another interesting aspect that is discussed in this paper. Finally, at the end of each section, important research questions that the section aims to answer are presented.