Nokia Bell Labs Demonstrates PoC at US 6G Summit
Interpreting simple phrases and voice commands with AI/ML models

Nokia has unveiled AI technology that operates networks based on natural language.

Nokia Bell Labs announced the results of its industry-first Natural Language Networks research project. The company also announced the first demonstration of a proof-of-concept (PoC) of the Natural Language Network at the Brooklyn 6G Summit, held in Brooklyn, New York, from October 31 to November 2.

Natural language networks are a technology that enables networks to operate using commands in natural language, such as simple words or phrases. The network gains the intelligence to understand the user's intentions and act autonomously.

The network continuously learns through its own actions, becoming more optimized each time it successfully executes a request. As the amount of training increases, natural language networks can predict service or application requirements on their own and adapt without human intervention.

Nokia said it would be able to "freeze the complex management of traditional networks and respond much more quickly to user demands," adding that "service providers will be able to offer and manage the optimal network configuration for every customer as soon as a request is received."

“Network operators will no longer need to pore over technical manuals or complex API (Application Programming Interface) descriptions when configuring their networks,” said Csaba Vulkan, head of network systems automation research at Nokia Bell Labs. “Instead, they will be able to simply say, ‘Optimize the network for Y service at X location.’ Whether it’s configuring a factory’s wireless network for robotic automation or a surge in social media uploads at a concert, network optimization will be done with a simple command.”

Meanwhile, the natural language network is part of Nokia Bell Labs' Project UNEXT. Bell Labs anticipates that this project will reshape network software and systems, much as Unix redefined computing. Unext explained that it would be possible to evolve the network itself into an OS, creating a process that would allow anything to be securely integrated into the network in a simple way.

Azimeh Sefidcon, head of network systems and security research at Nokia Bell Labs, said: “This natural language network provides a glimpse into one of the many capabilities of Unext. Reducing the complexity of network management aligns perfectly with Unext’s goal of expanding the reach of networked systems by breaking down barriers to interoperability.”