下一代网络协议的挑战与未来展望

Table of Contents 1.Abstract.2. Overview of Mobile Network Protocols2.1. Protocols Used in Mobile Core Network2.2. New Service Requirements2.3. Pain Points of Existing Protocols .43.Evolvements of Existing Protocols53.1.NAS Protocol.53.2.Control Plane Protocol3.3. User Plane Protocol84.Introduction of New Protocols94.1. Agentic Protocol64.2. Data Plane Protocol.105.Conclusion and Visions..11Abbreviations and acronyms.12 Abstract Building on these requirements, this white paperdelves into the evolution paths of existing protocols,such as, reducing extension complexity andimproving end-tonetwork interaction efficiency forNAS protocols; introducing dynamic user planepath optimization and scheduling mechanisms foruser plan protocols, and strengthen the balancebetween transmission efficiency and security forcontrol plane protocols. Also, this white paperexpounds on the possibility and potentialrequirements for introducing new protocols, such asintroducing agent protocols, and constructing a dataplane protocol framework. Against the backdrop of mobile communicationnetworks advaneing to next-generation, this whitepaper outlines the future evolution visions of mobilenetwork protocol, and elaborates in details on thecore driving forces behind the evolution of mobilenetwork protocols, including the evolution of existingprotocols, and the potential new protocols. Firstly, the emergence of new services such asintegrated sensing and communication (ISAC),endogenous intelligenee, digital twins, and cemboxdicdintelligence has put forward new requirements fornetworks in terms of determinism, intelligence, andultimate performance, driving the upgrading of theprotocol system. And also, the existing 5G protocolshave remaining pain points such as low scalabilityfor new NAS services, complex service-oricntedinterfaces, and cumbersome user plane pathestablishment, which urgently require resolutionthrough protocol optimization. Finally, it calls on global standardizationorganizations to collaborate closely, leveraging thekey value of next-generation network protocols insupporting next-generation networks visions andempowering industry digital transformation. Overview of Mobile Network Protocols 2.1. Protocols Used in Mobile Core Network The protocols of mobile communication networks areprimarily categorized into three types: NAS protocols,control planc protocols, and user planc protocols, withtheir respective responsibilities as follows: Control plane protocols: The protocols betweennetwork elements. In 5G, service-orientedinterfaces (e-g., HTTP) are primarily adoptedwithin the core network, which are used to controlservice processes among internal core networkelements (e.g-, AMF, SMF, PCF, etc.). meanwhile.the PFCP protocol are also adopted, which is usedas the control signalling for the user plane. NAS protocols: The control protocols between userequipment (UE) and the core network, mainlyresponsible for functions such as registration andauthentication, mobility mnanagement, and sessionmanagement, enabling control interaction betweenUEs and the core network. Additionally, SCTP is used between the RAN andcore network, as well as within RAN, Other legacyprotocols a 5G core network typically needs tosupport are Diameter (AAA- and policy-related)and GTP-C (e.g, N26 interface). User plane protocols: The protocols between base stations and the core network, as well as between core networkelements (e.g., between UPFs). They mainly carry user service traffic and ensure the transmission of user data With the advent of next-generation networks, curent communication network protocols are confronted with newchallcnges. From the pcrspcctive of ncw servicc-dnven demakds, next-gencration nctworks are rcquircd to nncct var-ious new requirement scenarios that have emerged, such as ISAC service, AI-native services, and full-domain cover-age, which impose higher demands on the performance and functionality of network protocols, In tems of existingprotocol limitations, however, 5G protocols still have numerous pain points that remain to be addressed. 2.2.New Service Requirements The continuous advancement of AI technology andterminals has introduced new requirements formobile networks, operators will no longer be limitedto providing traditional connectivity services but willexpand into a broader range of services that gobeyond communication, such as ISAC services.computing services, and AI services. The introduc-tion of these new scenarios further refines the re-quirements for typical business scenarios involvingintelligent agents, ISAC, and communication-com-puting. Net for AI: The AI traffic has new characteristicssuch as diversified data types, strong burstiness, highlevels of encryption, and complex transmission protocols, These features pose severe challenges to theexisting network user plane protocol stack. For ex-ample, services such as multi-modal AI assistantsand Al media editor have the characteristic of shortburst traffi