ZTE's Li Xiaotong on Making AI 'As Pervasive as Air' in Wireless Networks

The telecommunications industry stands at a pivotal moment as it enters the 5G-Advanced era. This transformation goes far beyond traditional network upgrades, marking a fundamental shift in how networks operate and deliver value. In an exclusive interview with Light Reading, Li Xiaotong, Vice President of ZTE Corporation, articulates a compelling vision for the future of intelligent networks.

The conversation begins with ZTE's strategic AIR RAN concept - where 'R' signifies the reshaping of network architecture and operations. "AIR RAN represents our vision where AI capabilities become as pervasive as air in wireless networks," Li explains. "This concept embodies our commitment to making intelligence an inherent part of network architecture, seamlessly integrating AI into end-to-end business operations - from resource optimization and energy efficiency to experience assurance and new service enablement."

This evolution marks a shift from traditional AI applications to a more comprehensive transformation where intelligence becomes a fundamental characteristic of network architecture. As 5G-Advanced expands its capabilities as the cornerstone of 6G, the deep integration of AI has become inevitable. Li emphasizes that ZTE has been pioneering this integration through consistent innovation in architecture, algorithms, service flows, and R&D processes.

This vision, detailed in ZTE's newly released AIR RAN whitepaper at MWC 2025, outlines a comprehensive approach to embedding intelligence across network layers. ZTE has been a pioneer in heterogeneous computing architecture, starting with NodeEngine for B2B industrial private networks, evolving to UniEngine, and now AIREngine for B2C experience assurance - helping operators transition from traffic-oriented to experience-oriented operations while enabling new scenarios like integrated sensing-computing-communication for low-altitude economics and vehicle-network cooperation.

At the foundation of this architecture lies a sophisticated fusion of traditional algorithms and AI capabilities. Rather than pursuing a complete overhaul of proven technologies, ZTE has crafted a synergistic framework where conventional approaches and AI-driven innovations complement each other. This balanced methodology ensures predictable performance while enabling advanced optimization capabilities.

The architecture implements dynamic orchestration mechanisms that adapt to varying network conditions and service requirements, while the upper layer introduces lightweight intelligent decision-making capabilities, enabling networks to respond autonomously to complex scenarios while maintaining operational efficiency.

Central to ZTE's approach is its emphasis on trustworthy AI design. The company has implemented comprehensive safeguards that ensure network stability and reliability even as intelligence levels increase. This includes robust performance guarantees for critical scenarios and clear mechanisms for human oversight, addressing industry concerns about AI reliability and control.

In commercial deployments, this architectural innovation has demonstrated significant value across both consumer and industrial applications. For consumer services, it enables differentiated experience assurance while optimizing network efficiency. In industrial scenarios, it's powering innovations in smart manufacturing, intelligent logistics, and quality control systems.

For emerging services, the impact is equally transformative. The architecture enables ultra-reliable, low-latency support for XR applications and autonomous vehicles. In the realm of low-altitude economics, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) capabilities are revolutionizing drone operations and aerial monitoring. These advanced sensing and communication features create new possibilities for aerial logistics, surveillance, and urban air mobility.

The evolution toward intelligent networks follows a carefully planned trajectory. Each phase introduces higher levels of intelligence and automation, but this progression is guided by practical considerations and real-world value creation. This pragmatic approach ensures that each advancement delivers concrete benefits while maintaining system stability and reliability.

ZTE's vision extends beyond technical innovation to encompass industry-wide collaboration. The company actively participates in standardization efforts and ecosystem partnerships, recognizing that advancing network intelligence requires coordinated industry action. This collaborative approach aims to create an open and innovative environment that accelerates the evolution of network intelligence.

Looking ahead, Li shares his perspective on the industry's future: "We are entering an era where network intelligence will fundamentally transform how we connect and communicate. The challenges are significant, but the opportunities are even greater. Through continuous innovation and collaboration with our partners, we're working to create intelligent networks that will serve as the foundation for the digital economy of tomorrow."

Source: LightReading