Logo
ScienceStack
Table of Contents
Fetching ...
Sign In

AI-Native Multi-Access Future Networks -- The REASON Architecture

Konstantinos Katsaros, Ioannis Mavromatis, Kostantinos Antonakoglou, Saptarshi Ghosh, Dritan Kaleshi, Toktam Mahmoodi, Hamid Asgari, Anastasios Karousos, Iman Tavakkolnia, Hossein Safi, Harald Hass, Constantinos Vrontos, Amin Emami, Juan Parra Ullauri, Shadi Moazzeni, Dimitra Simeonidou

TL;DR

The REASON project aims to address technical challenges in future network deployments, such as E2E service orchestration, sustainability, security and trust management, and policy management, utilising AI-native principles, considering multiple access technologies and cloud-native solutions.

Abstract

The development of the sixth generation of communication networks (6G) has been gaining momentum over the past years, with a target of being introduced by 2030. Several initiatives worldwide are developing innovative solutions and setting the direction for the key features of these networks. Some common emerging themes are the tight integration of AI, the convergence of multiple access technologies and sustainable operation, aiming to meet stringent performance and societal requirements. To that end, we are introducing REASON - Realising Enabling Architectures and Solutions for Open Networks. The REASON project aims to address technical challenges in future network deployments, such as E2E service orchestration, sustainability, security and trust management, and policy management, utilising AI-native principles, considering multiple access technologies and cloud-native solutions. This paper presents REASON's architecture and the identified requirements for future networks. The architecture is meticulously designed for modularity, interoperability, scalability, simplified troubleshooting, flexibility, and enhanced security, taking into consideration current and future standardisation efforts, and the ease of implementation and training. It is structured into four horizontal layers: Physical Infrastructure, Network Service, Knowledge, and End-User Application, complemented by two vertical layers: Management and Orchestration, and E2E Security. This layered approach ensures a robust, adaptable framework to support the diverse and evolving requirements of 6G networks, fostering innovation and facilitating seamless integration of advanced technologies.

AI-Native Multi-Access Future Networks -- The REASON Architecture

TL;DR

The REASON project aims to address technical challenges in future network deployments, such as E2E service orchestration, sustainability, security and trust management, and policy management, utilising AI-native principles, considering multiple access technologies and cloud-native solutions.

Abstract

The development of the sixth generation of communication networks (6G) has been gaining momentum over the past years, with a target of being introduced by 2030. Several initiatives worldwide are developing innovative solutions and setting the direction for the key features of these networks. Some common emerging themes are the tight integration of AI, the convergence of multiple access technologies and sustainable operation, aiming to meet stringent performance and societal requirements. To that end, we are introducing REASON - Realising Enabling Architectures and Solutions for Open Networks. The REASON project aims to address technical challenges in future network deployments, such as E2E service orchestration, sustainability, security and trust management, and policy management, utilising AI-native principles, considering multiple access technologies and cloud-native solutions. This paper presents REASON's architecture and the identified requirements for future networks. The architecture is meticulously designed for modularity, interoperability, scalability, simplified troubleshooting, flexibility, and enhanced security, taking into consideration current and future standardisation efforts, and the ease of implementation and training. It is structured into four horizontal layers: Physical Infrastructure, Network Service, Knowledge, and End-User Application, complemented by two vertical layers: Management and Orchestration, and E2E Security. This layered approach ensures a robust, adaptable framework to support the diverse and evolving requirements of 6G networks, fostering innovation and facilitating seamless integration of advanced technologies.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 66 sections, 4 figures, 20 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Background
  3. KPIs in Future Networks
  4. KVIs in Future Networks
  5. Digital Inclusion and Equity
  6. Environmental Sustainability
  7. Economic Productivity and Innovation
  8. Ethical AI and Trustworthy Networks
  9. Resilience and Security
  10. Human-Centric Services and Well-being
  11. REASON and other State-of-the-Art Projects
  12. Initial Comparison
  13. Native AI
  14. Network Automation / Orchestration
  15. Challenges and Usage Scenarios
  16. ...and 51 more sections

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: IMT-2030 Capabilities beyond 5G ITU2030.
  • Figure 2: REASON Layer Architecture. Each layer serves a unique purpose, providing a structured approach that simplifies the function block design and management.
  • Figure 3: REASON Architecture: All function blocks resemble features and functionality envisaged to be found within the various planes of the system.
  • Figure 4: The Multi-Access Technology Intelligent Controller Architecture.