Heterogeneous fusion networking refers to the integration of different types of networks to form a unified network architecture, enabling more efficient, flexible, and reliable network communication. Heterogeneous networks consist of computers, network devices, and systems produced by different manufacturers, which may operate on various network protocols and support different functions or applications. Implementing heterogeneous fusion networking requires consideration of multiple factors, including network architecture design, compatibility of network devices, protocol conversion, and security authentication. Among these, multi-radio cooperation is an important implementation method that can enhance network throughput, reduce energy consumption of wireless devices, and decrease the latency of switching between heterogeneous networks through effective management and rational allocation of multi-radio resources, thus providing a foundation for achieving seamless integration of heterogeneous networks. Additionally, the security of heterogeneous fusion networking must be considered. Heterogeneous networks face more types of network attacks than regular networks, which are often random, making them difficult to detect and quantify. Therefore, more complex security measures are needed, such as managing security keys for heterogeneous networks, implementing attack defense mechanisms, and establishing security authentication mechanisms. Heterogeneous fusion networking is an important trend in the future development of network technology, enabling more efficient, flexible, and reliable network communication to meet the diverse demands of future terminal services and providing important direction for the development of the next generation of wireless networks.
1. Explanation of 6G Heterogeneous Fusion Networking
In the 6G era, heterogeneous fusion networking will become an important technical direction to meet the diverse demands of future terminal services and provide higher quality information communication services. The key technologies of 6G heterogeneous fusion networking mainly include the following aspects.
First, a new multi-access fusion architecture. The 6G integrated space-ground network is a new multi-access fusion architecture that integrates satellite networks with ground cellular mobile networks, enabling a mix of various heterogeneous networks. This architecture can achieve global seamless coverage, bringing new opportunities for segmented communication fields such as ocean, airborne, cross-national, and space-ground integration.
Second, heterogeneous network fusion technology. Heterogeneous network fusion technology is one of the key technologies for achieving 6G heterogeneous fusion networking, requiring protocol conversion, data exchange, and resource sharing between different networks to achieve seamless connection and collaborative operation. To efficiently integrate heterogeneous networks, new network protocols, routing algorithms, and resource management technologies must be researched.
Third, quality assurance technology for end-to-end and full network coverage. 6G heterogeneous fusion networking requires the provision of quality-assured information communication services aimed at end-to-end and full network coverage. This necessitates research into new end-to-end communication protocols, network slicing technology, and edge computing technology to meet quality requirements in different service scenarios.
Fourth, distributed autonomous network architecture design. The network architecture design in the 6G era will shift from centralized planning to distributed autonomy to meet the massive connection and extreme performance requirements of large-scale networking. Distributed autonomous network architecture design requires research into new network topologies, node cooperation mechanisms, and resource management strategies to achieve self-organization, self-adaptation, and self-optimization of the network.
2. Key Considerations for 6G Heterogeneous Fusion Networking Planning
The focus of planning for 6G heterogeneous fusion networking can be considered from several aspects.
First, global seamless coverage and network integration. 6G heterogeneous fusion networking needs to achieve global seamless coverage, including multiple domains such as land, ocean, air, and even space. This requires integrating various types of networks, including ground cellular mobile networks, broadband satellite communication networks, and drone communication networks, to form a highly integrated network architecture. This architecture must support multiple access methods to enable interconnection between various devices to meet the diverse needs of future terminal services.
Second, intelligence and network self-optimization. 6G heterogeneous fusion networking needs to achieve network intelligence and self-optimization. This requires research into artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies, allowing networks to automatically learn and adapt to different service scenarios and network environments, achieving self-adaptation and self-optimization. This will help improve network efficiency and performance while reducing operational and maintenance costs.
Third, green sustainable development. 6G heterogeneous fusion networking must consider green sustainable development. As the scale of networks continues to expand and service demands grow, energy consumption and carbon emissions are also increasing. Therefore, 6G heterogeneous fusion networking needs to research new energy-saving technologies and green network technologies to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, achieving sustainable development.
3. Network Planning Methods for 6G Heterogeneous Fusion Networking
The network planning methods for 6G heterogeneous fusion networking must comprehensively consider multiple aspects, including network architecture, service demands, resource allocation, and security. Below are some suggested network planning methods, providing preliminary network planning analysis.
3.1 Business Demand-Based 6G Network Architecture Design
First, it is necessary to clarify the business demands of 6G heterogeneous fusion networking, including different application scenarios, service quality requirements, and user distribution. Then, based on these demands, design the network architecture, including network topology, access methods, and core network architecture. At the same time, the scalability and flexibility of the network must be considered to accommodate future business developments. The business demand-based network architecture design aims to construct an efficient, flexible, and reliable network architecture that meets various future business needs. Analyze business demands: Deeply understand and analyze the demand characteristics of various services in the 6G era, including data transmission rates, latency, reliability, and security requirements in different application scenarios. This can be achieved through market research, collaboration with service providers, and participation in standardization organizations. Design network architecture framework: Based on the results of business demand analysis, design the overall framework of the network architecture, including determining network topology, access methods, and core network architecture. Consider adopting layered, domain-specific, and distributed architecture designs to enhance the network’s scalability and flexibility. Customized network slicing: To meet the demands of different business scenarios, network slicing technology can be introduced to partition the physical network into multiple logical networks, with each slice customized for optimization according to business needs. This includes customization in network functions, resource allocation, and security policies. Consider future expansion and upgrades: The design of the network architecture must consider future expansion and upgrade needs. Modular and pluggable design concepts can be adopted to make the network architecture easy to expand and upgrade. At the same time, compatibility with new technologies and standards must be maintained to ensure the long-term sustainability of the network architecture. The business demand-based network architecture design is a comprehensive process requiring in-depth analysis of business demands, design of network architecture framework, customization of network slicing, optimization of resource allocation and management, enhancement of security and reliability, and consideration of future expansion and upgrades. Through reasonable architecture design, the 6G network can achieve efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, meeting the diverse demands of future terminal services.
3.2 Resource Optimization-Based 6G Network Planning
6G heterogeneous fusion networking must integrate various types of network resources, including spectrum resources, computing resources, and storage resources. Therefore, network planning must consider how to optimize the allocation and utilization of resources to enhance network efficiency and performance. Network slicing technology can be employed to map different business needs to different network slices, enabling flexible resource allocation and management. The resource optimization-based 6G network planning method aims to meet the demands of large-scale connections, ultra-low latency, and diverse customization in 6G networks through reasonable and efficient resource allocation and utilization. The key points and methods of resource optimization-based 6G network planning are illustrated in Figure 2. Resource pooling: Pool different types of network resources (such as spectrum, computing, storage, etc.) to form a unified resource pool. Through dynamic resource allocation and scheduling, meet the resource demands of different business scenarios. Resource slicing: Based on different business needs, slice the resources in the resource pool to provide customized resource configurations for different services. This ensures that critical services receive sufficient resource support while avoiding resource wastage. Dynamic resource allocation: By monitoring network status and business demands in real-time, dynamically adjust resource allocation. During peak business demand, additional resources can be invested; during low demand periods, some resources can be released to reduce costs. Virtualization technology: Utilize virtualization technology to abstract physical resources into virtual resources, enabling flexible allocation and sharing of resources. This can improve resource utilization and reduce operational costs. Edge computing: Shift computing tasks to the network edge, reducing data transmission latency and bandwidth consumption. At the same time, edge computing can enhance data processing timeliness and reliability. Intelligent resource management: Introduce artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to enable the network to automatically learn and adapt to different business scenarios and network environments, achieving self-adaptation and self-optimization of resources. Cross-domain collaboration: Support management of fixed, mobile, satellite, and other access types, achieving cross-domain integrated design to optimize resource management and meet global seamless coverage and network integration demands. Green sustainable development: Resource planning must consider green sustainable development. By adopting energy-saving technologies and green network technologies, reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions to achieve sustainable development. The resource optimization-based 6G network planning method must comprehensively consider aspects such as resource pooling, resource slicing, dynamic resource allocation, virtualization technology, edge computing, intelligent resource management, cross-domain collaboration, and green sustainable development.
3.3 Security-Based 6G Network Planning
6G heterogeneous fusion networking faces complex security threats and challenges, requiring careful consideration of security in network planning. Technologies such as end-to-end encryption, identity authentication, and access control can be adopted to ensure the security of network communications and data confidentiality. Additionally, a comprehensive security management system must be established, including security policies, security audits, and incident response, to enhance overall network security. The security-based 6G network planning method must ensure high security at all stages of data transmission, processing, and storage. Below are some security-based 6G network planning methods. First, end-to-end encryption. Ensure that data is encrypted throughout its transmission from sender to receiver to prevent data leakage or tampering. Use advanced encryption algorithms and techniques to guarantee the security of data transmission. Second, identity authentication and access control. Authenticate all devices accessing the network to ensure that only legitimate devices can access network resources and data. At the same time, implement fine-grained access control policies to restrict access permissions for different users or devices. Third, security audits and monitoring. Regularly conduct security audits of the network to check for security vulnerabilities or risks in network devices and systems. Simultaneously, implement real-time monitoring to promptly detect and respond to potential security threats. Fourth, security vulnerability management and emergency response. Establish a comprehensive security vulnerability management mechanism to promptly patch security vulnerabilities in network devices and systems. At the same time, develop an emergency response plan to address potential network security incidents. Fifth, distributed intelligent security defense. Utilize the collaborative capabilities of distributed intelligent nodes to provide global artificial intelligence security defense. By monitoring and analyzing network traffic and online behaviors in real-time, anomalies can be detected and appropriate defense measures taken. Sixth, secure data management and usage. Implement strict security management for data stored in the network, ensuring that only authorized users or devices can access and use this data. At the same time, sensitive data should undergo desensitization to reduce the risk of data leakage. Seventh, security training and awareness enhancement. Strengthen security training for network administrators and users to raise their security awareness and skills, helping them understand how to identify and respond to potential security threats. Eighth, a zero-trust security framework. Establish a security perception and proactive defense system driven by “secure data + artificial intelligence,” achieving a “zero trust” security environment. This means that, by default, the network does not trust any internal or external entities and manages access, behaviors, and permissions through continuous verification and the principle of least privilege. The security-based 6G network planning method must comprehensively consider aspects such as end-to-end encryption, identity authentication and access control, security audits and monitoring, security vulnerability management and emergency response, distributed intelligent security defense, secure data management and usage, security training and awareness enhancement, and a zero-trust security framework. Through comprehensive security measures and management strategies, ensure the security and reliability of the 6G network.
3.4 Intelligence-Based 6G Network Planning
6G heterogeneous fusion networking needs to achieve network intelligence and self-optimization. In network planning, operators can consider introducing artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, allowing the network to automatically learn and adapt to different business scenarios and network environments, achieving self-adaptation and self-optimization. This will help improve network efficiency and performance while reducing operational and maintenance costs. The intelligence-based 6G network planning method primarily relies on advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to achieve automation, self-optimization, and self-adaptation in the network. Below are some suggested methods for intelligence-based 6G network planning. First, introduce artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. Utilize the powerful capabilities of AI and ML to analyze and predict network status, business demands, and user behaviors in real-time. This can help the network automatically adjust resource allocation, optimize performance, and proactively identify and resolve potential issues. Second, automated network management. Use automation tools and platforms to reduce manual configuration and management workloads. For example, AI technology can be utilized for automated network fault troubleshooting, performance optimization, and configuration updates. Third, self-optimizing network performance. Self-optimizing technologies based on AI and ML can dynamically adjust network parameters and resource allocation based on real-time network performance data and business demands to achieve optimal network performance. Fourth, adaptive business changes. The 6G network must support diverse services and application scenarios. Intelligent network planning methods should enable the network to adapt to different business demands and changes, ensuring continuity and efficiency of services. Fifth, intelligent resource allocation. Resource allocation techniques based on AI and ML can dynamically allocate and schedule resources according to business demands, network status, and user behaviors to maximize resource utilization. Sixth, intelligent security management. Utilize AI and ML technologies to enhance the network’s security defense capabilities. For example, real-time traffic analysis and behavior detection can identify and prevent potential security threats. Seventh, intelligent decision support. Decision support systems based on AI and ML can provide data-driven decision recommendations for network planners, helping them make more reasonable and effective network planning decisions. Eighth, continuous learning and evolution. Intelligent network planning methods need to continuously learn and evolve. By collecting and analyzing large amounts of network data, AI and ML models can be continuously improved and optimized to adapt to changing network environments and business demands. In summary, when planning the network for 6G heterogeneous fusion networking, the planning methods must comprehensively consider business demands, resource allocation, security, and intelligence. Through reasonable network architecture design, resource optimization, security management, and the introduction of intelligent technologies, achieve an efficient, flexible, and reliable 6G heterogeneous fusion networking that meets the diverse demands of future terminal services.
6G heterogeneous fusion networking is an important trend in the future development of network technology, which will provide significant direction for the development of the next generation of wireless networks. To achieve efficient, flexible, and reliable 6G heterogeneous fusion networking, various key technologies must be researched, including new multi-access fusion architectures, heterogeneous network fusion technologies, quality assurance technologies for end-to-end and full network coverage, and distributed autonomous network architecture design. The development direction of 6G heterogeneous fusion networking includes global seamless coverage and network integration, quality assurance for end-to-end and full network coverage, intelligence and network self-optimization, and green sustainable development. These directions will provide significant guidance for the development of the next generation of wireless networks and promote continuous innovation and development in future network technologies.
Source: Science Popularization China
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