6G Network Automation: Self-Driving Networks & AI Explained (White Paper Pt. 6)

Read the Full Substack Post & Download the ResourcesSection VI Words & Terms Imgur AlbumUrban's Dictionary & Reference TablesNotes on Programmable MetasurfacesIn 6G, human operators won't be able to keep up with the complexity of the network. Enter "Self-Driving Networks." In Part 6 of our 6G White Paper Breakdown, we explore Section 6: Network Automation. This isn't just about simple scripts; it's about shifting from Software Defined Networking (SDN) to fully autonomous systems driven by AI and "Intents."We break down the new terminology you need to know, from P4 programmable data planes to In-Band Telemetry. We also cover how Automated Service Decomposition uses deep learning to build network slices on the fly, and the challenges standing in the way of the "Holy Grail" of zero-touch automation.Key Concepts Covered:P4 & Programmable Data Planes: Moving beyond OpenFlow.Intents: The difference between Imperative (Do X) and Declarative (Achieve Y) commands.In-Band Telemetry: Using packets as active vessels for data collection.