Artificial Intelligence (Al) Native Open Radio Access Networks Talk

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is widely recognized as a cornerstone technology for 6G. In the Open RAN (O-RAN) paradigm, AI is not an optional add-on, it is an essential enabler to realize adaptive, efficient, and resilient networks. The O-RAN RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) provides the programmable foundation for embedding intelligence, paving the way toward AI-native networks where optimization, prediction, and automation are built into the system from the outset.

The talk prepared by Dr Nima Afraz offers an overview of the principles and architectural vision of AI-native O-RAN, drawing on recent industry and standardization efforts. Dr Afraz will discuss how native AI shifts the focus from isolated applications to distributed, cooperative intelligence across RAN, core, and edge domains. At the same time, the openness and multi-vendor nature of O-RAN introduces new challenges. When different vendors deploy their own xApps and rApps, AI-driven control loops can interact in unexpected ways, sometimes leading to conflicts and degraded performance.

As part of this perspective, Dr Afraz will highlight his own research on conflict mitigation in multi-vendor RIC environments, where AI-based decision making by competing applications can clash over parameters such as mobility management, load balancing, or interference control. By exploring strategies for conflict detection and resolution, he will shed light on the need for governance, coordination mechanisms, and future-proof architectures.

The talk will take place 13 December at 15:10-15:35 at Jixian Hall - 3F.