Enabling Ecosystems by Efficient Confluent Edge Networks Based on Sensing and Network Intelligence

Paper in proceeding, 2025

The vision for 6G involves transforming telecommunications infrastructure from simply providing traditional communication services to offering more intelligent, adaptable, and energy-efficient solutions. These services will integrate and leverage new information sources acquired from the physical and digital worlds. Key enablers for this shift include sensing, localisation, and self-organising networks. In this context, research and development efforts focus on developing sensing at various network segments utilising both inbound and outbound network channels. Network intelligence is evolving in several forms, including as a core element of network optimisation, data management, and service functionalities. These advancements will introduce new roles and use cases within the 6G ecosystem, involving various service layers. This paper explores early developments in transport network sensing and network intelligence within 6G networks, as examined in the SNS-JU ECO-eNET project, and discusses how these innovations may reshape the ecosystem for future 6G applications.