Intent-Based Networking for 5G, B5G, and 6G: An Overview of Autonomous and Intelligent Network Management
Authors:
- 31 October 2025
- conference paper
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Vol. 1, 365-372
Abstract
The exponential growth of service demands and technological heterogeneity in next-generation mobile networks necessitates a fundamental rethinking of network management. This paper examines the transformative potential of Intent-Based Networking (IBN) in enabling autonomous, scalable, and intelligent control across 5G, Beyond 5G (B5G), and 6G infrastructures. Traditional manual and rule-based approaches are inadequate to meet stringent requirements such as ultra-low latency, high reliability, and massive connectivity. To address this gap, the review synthesizes current literature, standardization efforts, and architectural frameworks, with emphasis on IBN principles, SDN/NFV integration, and AI/ML-driven automation. The analysis highlights the evolution of IBN from programmable 5G architectures to AI-enhanced B5G systems and AI-native, trust-centric 6G networks. Backed by architectural sketches and advanced AI/ML techniques, the innovation is achieved through concurrent and comparative analysis throughout these epochs. This work identifies pivotal issues around the concepts of scalability, interoperability, and verification, which, when considered together, establish IBN as the foundational cornerstone for fully autonomous networks of the future.Keywords
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