Huawei Proposes AI-Native Core Network for Agent Services

BEIJING – October 15, 2026 – Huawei has outlined a vision for an AI-native core network, which it believes is essential for the next generation of "agentic services." The company argues that traditional mobile networks, focused on connectivity, are insufficient for future demands where billions of AI agents will require the core network to understand intent, make intelligent decisions, and ensure task completion.

According to Huawei's "Intelligent World 2035" report, the global number of AI agents could reach 900 billion by 2035. This projected exponential growth necessitates a network environment capable of managing a vast number of new connections and services. Huawei suggests embedding AI into network interfaces, functions, and procedures to enable operators to offer intelligent network capabilities beyond basic connectivity.

Huawi has identified three key scenarios to ensure agentic experience: Agent Over New Radio (AoNR) for task latency assurance, Wide-Area Computing Network (WCN) for computing efficiency gains, and Agent Computing Network (ACN) for collaboration security assurance. These mechanisms are expected to shift the network's role from merely transporting data bits to enabling task-oriented operations.

The company proposes that future core networks should feature intent-based interfaces, incorporate a dedicated Data & AI Plane (DAP) as an intelligence layer alongside traditional control and user planes, and have AI natively embedded in fundamental network procedures. Huawei anticipates that deeper AI integration within networks will unlock new business opportunities and significantly enhance digital services.