Abstract
With the growing demand for seamless connectivity and intelligent communication, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and sixth-generation (6G) communication networks has emerged as a transformative paradigm. By embedding AI capabilities across various network layers, this integration enables optimized resource allocation, improved efficiency, and enhanced system robust performance. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of AI and communication for 6G networks, with a focus on their foundational principles, inherent challenges, and future research opportunities. We first review the integration of AI and communications in the context of 6G, exploring the driving factors behind incorporating AI into wireless communications, as well as the vision for the convergence of AI and 6G. The discourse then transitions to a detailed exposition of the envisioned integration of AI within 6G networks, divided into three progressive stages. The first stage, AI for network, focuses on employing AI to augment network performance, optimize efficiency, and enhance user service experiences. The second stage, network for AI, highlights the role of the network in facilitating and buttressing AI operations and presents key enabling technologies. We compare wireless network large models with conventional large language models (LLMs), and identify key design principles and components for building wireless network architectures. In the final stage, AI as a service, it is anticipated that future 6G networks will innately provide AI functions as services, supporting application scenarios like immersive communication and intelligent industrial robots. Specifically, we define the quality of AI service, which refers to a framework for measuring AI services within the network. We further summarize the standardization process of AI for wireless networks, highlighting key milestones and ongoing efforts. In addition, we analyze the critical challenges faced by the integration of AI and communications in 6G. Finally, we outline promising future research opportunities that are expected to drive the development and refinement of AI and 6G communications.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 171301 |
Journal | Science China Information Sciences |
Volume | 68 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2 Apr 2025 |
MoE publication type | A2 Review article in a scientific journal |
Funding
This work was supported by Joint Funds for Regional Innovation and Development of National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. U21A20449), Beijing Natural Science Foundation Program (Grant No. L232002), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 62125108), National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2020YFB1806804), and King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Grant No. RSP2025R12).
Keywords
- 6G
- AI
- AI and communication
- AI as a service
- AI for network
- LLMs
- network for AI