Sustainable 6G architecture: An organic evolution of 5G networks

Abstract

The evolution of cellular networks towards 6G presents an opportunity to enhance not only coverage and capacity but also environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This paper proposes a sustainable cloud-native and modular 6G architecture that integrates AI-driven resource orchestration and intent-based network management. The proposed design introduces a modular approach where network functions are structured into adaptable building blocks, allowing for seamless scalability and flexible deployment tailored to emerging use cases. AI is embedded across multiple layers to optimize energy efficiency, improve service accessibility, and enable intelligent decision-making. Furthermore, the architecture leverages integrated network-compute paradigms, enhancing service placement efficiency and minimizing energy consumption through optimized edge computing solutions. Intent-based management further refines network operations by shifting from manual configurations to high-level policy abstractions, improving resource efficiency while reducing operational complexity. This paper also explores enhancements to both the Radio Access Network (RAN) and Core Network (CN), improving network modularization and signaling efficiency. The proposed framework ensures a smooth transition from 5G to 6G while addressing key challenges such as network sustainability, trustworthiness, and digital inclusivity. By incorporating these elements, the envisioned 6G architecture aims to establish a resilient, energy-efficient, and future-proof network ecosystem.