Jun 2026· IEEE Conference on Network Softwarization· pp. 415-420· 0 citations· 29 references
Computer Science
Abstract
The 6G era introduces unprecedented complexity in managing heterogeneous, large-scale, and dynamic network infrastructures. These challenges are addressed by the concept of Intent-Based Networking (IBN), which has emerged as a promising paradigm for autonomous network management, enabling users to express high-level objectives that are automatically translated and enforced by the network. However, current IBN solutions remain constrained by rigid structured specifications and limited assurance mechanisms. This paper presents an overview of PhD research leveraging Generative AI (GenAI), specifically Large Language Models (LLMs), to address three fundamental IBN challenges: (i) intent translation, (ii) intent assurance, and (iii) GenAI operations in IBN systems. We propose a set of novel frameworks validated on real 5G/6G testbeds. Most contributions are supported by demos, datasets, and open-source implementations, which are referenced in the design section of each contribution. This PhD positions GenAI as a key enabler for advancing autonomous and user-centric 6G.
A compact reasoning model trained with verifier-based self-verification and periodically refined online via shadow updates is deployed, showing manageable, near-linear control-plane overhead as domains scale and during domain joins, and robust decision quality, including recovery after objective changes.
Configuring 5G networks through standardized exposure interfaces—the Network Exposure Function (NEF) and the Common API Framework (CAPIF)—remains operationally burdensome, requiring manual navigation of 3 GPP parameter schemas, OAuth2 authentication, and live network state. This paper presents a modular, intent-driven architecture that translates natural language operator goals into schema-compliant NEF API configurations using a compact, locally deployed Large Language Model (LLM), Qwen3-4B (4 billion parameters). A deterministic pre-classification layer reserves LLM inference for semantically complex requests, while a six-stage pipeline produces near-deterministic, conflict-aware JSON output. Two complementary validation paths are provided: a Standard Mode with closed-loop Quality of Service (QoS) feedback via a NEF emulator, and a Free5GC Mode that validates the same translation logic against a Free5GC-based experimental environment with real user-plane traffic. Demonstration across five vertical scenarios confirms end-to-end correctness in both the emulated NEF environment and the Free5GC-based experimental environment.
Hao You, Chathura Galkandage, Naércio Magaia et al.· IEEE Conference on Network S...· 0 citations
As Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) enabled networks scale in size and complexity, monitoring and managing Service Function Chains (SFCs) under stringent latency and resource constraints becomes increasingly challenging. Although Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) is widely applied to SFC provisioning and Virtual Network Function (VNF) placement, enhanced network state monitoring is crucial to capture unexpected network conditions and guide DRL agents toward more adaptive decisions. In this context, Language Models (LMs) enable flexible, natural-language (NL)–based, query-driven network monitoring; however, directly processing complex multi-metric NL queries is computationally expensive and error-prone. This paper proposes an end-to-end (E2E) edge-based query translation pipeline that decomposes multi-metric NL queries into simpler single-metric sub-queries. Query decomposition is performed using a retrieval-augmented language model (RAG-LLM) and compared with a lightweight rule-based decomposition baseline. The resulting sub-queries are translated into Structured Query Language (SQL) using FLAN-T5. A cloud-only baseline, which directly translates NL queries to SQL without decomposition, is also evaluated. The results show that the rule-based edge pipeline achieves the lowest latency, reducing E2E latency by up to 78% compared to RAG-LLM and 18% compared to cloud execution under high workloads. Under increasing arrival rates for the largest workload, the rule-based edge pipeline maintains superior performance over cloud, reducing total E2E latency by 57% at $\lambda = 0.8$ . While RAG-LLM provides greater flexibility for unseen query patterns, both edge-based approaches achieve 100% NL2SQL accuracy with zero decomposition failures, outperforming the cloud-only baseline (95% accuracy).
Parisa Fard Moshiri, Xinyu Zhu, Poonam Lohan et al.· IEEE Transactions on Network...· 0 citations
The evolution towards 6G edge-cloud ecosystems demands autonomous, intent-based network management to handle unprecedented infrastructure complexity. While Large Language Models offer promising capabilities for translating high-level user intents into network configurations, current monolithic approaches suffer from cognitive overload, hallucinations, and a profound inability to safely execute low-level data plane mutations. To bridge this gap, we introduce Edgent, a novel framework that integrates hierarchical Agentic AI with Extended Berkeley Packet Filter technologies via the Model Context Protocol. Edgent utilizes a state-driven Supervisor, enhanced by Retrieval-Augmented Generation, to decompose abstract human intents into deterministic execution graphs and dynamically delegate tasks to domain-specific worker agents. We empirically validate the framework by autonomously deploying a distributed, in-kernel DDoS mitigation pipeline across scaled containerized topologies containing up to 85 nodes. Extensive evaluations demonstrate high orchestration reliability; notably, even heavily quantized Small Language Models (e.g., 4B parameters) achieve near-perfect zero-shot execution and 100% overall task completion through autonomous error recovery. Finally, latency and resource profiling confirm that the multi-agent framework can be efficiently driven by fully localized models compatible with orchestration tasks directly within resource-constrained edge environments, therefore this work positions Edgent as a pragmatic step toward the realization of zero-touch nextgeneration networks.
Raffaele Di Tommaso, G. Davoli, Pietro Spadaccino et al.· IEEE Conference on Network S...· 0 citations
This work introduces Autogenic network management, a reference architecture that extends agentic capabilities with self-programming, self reflection, self reflection, self-orienting, and self-architecting capabilities, and concludes with a research roadmap outlining the technical advances needed to make autogenic network management realistic in future 6G networks.
P. Djukic, Sudipta Acharya, Takai-Eddine Kennouche et al.· IEEE Network· 0 citations
Intent-Based Networking (IBN) has emerged as a promising paradigm for simplifying network management by allowing operators and applications to specify high-level service objectives rather than low-level device configurations. Early IBN research was mainly developed in Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), transport networks, core networks, and data-center environments, where programmability, virtualization, and relatively stable infrastructure models enabled intent translation, orchestration, and assurance. However, realizing IBN in end-to-end mobile networks is more challenging because the Radio Access Network (RAN) is highly dynamic, wireless-channeldependent, mobility-sensitive, and governed by multiple control timescales. The emergence of Open RAN (O-RAN) changes this landscape by making the RAN programmable, disaggregated, data-driven, and control-lable through non-real-time and near-real-time intelligent control loops. This survey reviews the evolution of IBN from SDN/NFV-enabled automation toward O-RAN-driven end-to-end intent-based networking for 5G-Advanced and 6G. We discuss architectural mechanisms, key challenges, recent advances in AI-driven and agentic IBN, and future research directions including Large Language Model (LLM)-based intent translation, contractbased O-RAN slicing, digital twin-assisted validation, and trustworthy closed-loop orchestration.
Dongwook Won, Thanh Thien-An Dang, Ton That Tam Dinh et al.· International Conference on...· 0 citations