Designing the Network Intelligence Stratum for 6G Networks

TL;DR

This paper proposes a comprehensive architectural design for a Network Intelligence Stratum in 6G networks, featuring an end-to-end orchestrator to enable scalable, secure, and efficient closed-loop AI operations across diverse network domains.

Contribution

It introduces a novel NI Stratum architecture with an orchestrator supporting closed-loop operations, addressing integration, scalability, and data management challenges in future networks.

Findings

Designed an NI Stratum architecture compatible with current systems.

Developed a reference implementation validated in real-world environments.

Identified key challenges and open issues in deploying NI at scale.

Abstract

As network complexity escalates, there is an increasing need for more sophisticated methods to manage and operate these networks, focusing on enhancing efficiency, reliability, and security. A wide range of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) models are being developed in response. These models are pivotal in automating decision-making, conducting predictive analyses, managing networks proactively, enhancing security, and optimizing network performance. They are foundational in shaping the future of networks, collectively forming what is known as Network Intelligence (NI). Prominent Standard-Defining Organizations (SDOs) are integrating NI into future network architectures, particularly emphasizing the closed-loop approach. However, existing methods for seamlessly integrating NI into network architectures are not yet fully effective. This paper introduces an in-depth architectural design for a Network Intelligence Stratum (NI Stratum). This stratum is supported by a novel end-to-end NI orchestrator that supports closed-loop NI operations across various network domains. The primary goal of this design is to streamline the deployment and coordination of NI throughout the entire network infrastructure, tackling issues related to scalability, conflict resolution, and effective data management. We detail exhaustive workflows for managing the NI lifecycle and demonstrate a reference implementation of the NI Stratum, focusing on its compatibility and integration with current network systems and open-source platforms such as Kubernetes and Kubeflow, as well as on its validation on real-world environments. The paper also outlines major challenges and open issues in deploying and managing NI.