Artificial Intelligence for 6G Networks: Technology Advancement and Standardization

With the advent of fifth-generation (5G), many standardization organizations have started working on design phase for sixth-generation (6G) networks. The resulting 6G networks will be immensely complex; requiring more deployment time, cost and management effort. On the other side, mobile network operators demand these networks to be intelligent, self-organizing and cost-effective to reduce complexity and overhead. Artificial intelligence (AI) can solve many of these problems by providing pragmatic solutions, which can entirely change the future of wireless network technology. By using some case study examples, we briefly look at the most compelling problems, particularly at physical and link layers, in cellular networks where AI can bring significant changes. We also review the standardization activities in relation to use of AI in wireless networks and future timeline on readiness of standardization bodies to adapt to these changes. Finally, we highlight major issues in AI use in wireless technology, and provide our vision to solve them in 6G wireless networks.