ETRI develops autonomous 6G core network powered by AI
First in Korea to implement a service-customized intelligent 6G core
image: 6G Core Network
Credit: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute(ETRI)
A Korean research team has developed the “intelligent core” of a 6G network capable of autonomous control through artificial intelligence (AI). This achievement marks the first realization of an “intelligent 6G core” in Korea and represents a significant milestone in advancing next-generation network infrastructure.
Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced that it has successfully developed an “intelligent, service-programmable mobile core network,” a key enabling technology for the 6G era. This technology aims to realize an autonomous 6G core in which AI continuously learns and controls network operations, enabling dynamic adaptation to diverse service requirements.
Unlike conventional 5G core networks, which rely on relatively static session management structures, the proposed technology leverages AI-driven prediction and control to optimize service-specific sessions, routing paths, and quality of service (QoS) in real time. In particular, by incorporating SRv6 (Segment Routing over IPv6), the network can dynamically configure data transmission paths based on service characteristics. This enables automatic establishment and adjustment of sessions and routes, ensuring service-aware and performance-optimized connectivity.
To this end, the research team developed ▲an AI-native control and user plane architecture (Extension of SBA) ▲an intelligent automation and reliability verification module ▲training and inference optimization technologies for AI applications. These advancements collectively enable an autonomous 6G core foundation where the network can self-learn, make decisions, and operate with minimal human intervention.
Performance evaluation results show a 40% improvement in session processing efficiency compared to conventional GTP-based architectures with fixed routing paths. The system also supports fine-grained control of QoS parameters such as latency and bandwidth, along with service-specific path differentiation. By integrating reinforcement learning-based policy recommendation mechanisms, the solution achieves End-to-End AI automation (Level 3), enabling fully automated session and traffic control without operator involvement. This indicates that AI can autonomously determine and enforce policies across the entire network.
The technology is expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency for telecom operators by minimizing manual intervention through AI-driven automation, while also reducing operational costs and optimizing resource utilization.
The proposed architecture has been submitted to the 3GPP SA2 standardization group, where it is currently under discussion. In addition, more than 60 core patents have been filed, and related research findings have been published in IEEE Communications, demonstrating achievements across technical innovation, standardization, and academia.
Taesik Cheung, Assistant Vice President, Network Research Division stated, “This work represents a major milestone, demonstrating that 6G core networks are evolving beyond simple data processing systems into intelligent platforms where AI autonomously makes decisions and controls operations. We will continue to advance next-generation 6G core technologies based on the evolved SBA framework.”
Namseok Ko, director of the Mobile Core Network Research Section, added, “By integrating AI-driven control with network automation, we have established a practical foundation for realizing AI-native 6G.”
This research was conducted as part of the “6G Core Technology Development Program” supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), in collaboration with SK Telecom, LG Uplus, and SNETICT.
Looking ahead, ETRI plans to further develop ▲Core-transport network convergence technologies based on evolved SBA, ▲Architectures supporting low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications. Through these efforts, ETRI aims to realize a next-generation 6G core architecture that seamlessly integrates services, computing, and networking, while strengthening its leadership in global 6G standardization and collaboration.
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This research was conducted as part of the “6G Core Technology Development Program” supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), in collaboration with SK Telecom, LG Uplus, and SNETICT.