IZeRO-NF: Intelligent-Controlled Zero-Redundancy Heterogeneous Network Functions for 6GC Endogenous Security

In this article, we propose an Intelligent-controlled Zero-Redundancy heterOgeneous Network Function (IzeRO-NF) framework, for achieving efficient security-endogenous 6G core networks. To ensure interoperability and standardization, the framework adheres to the 3GPP enhanced Service-Based Architecture (eSBA). Inspired by the hierarchical structure of the human central nervous system—comprising the effectors, the spinal cord and the brain—we design a three-tier intelligent perception-decision-action cycles for the framework. Particularly, the effector tier comprises resource-adaptive heterogeneous execution entities of NFs. The spinal-cord-like tier proactively schedules signaling flows to heterogeneous execution entities to disrupt the attacker’s ability to establish a stable, repeatable attack chain. The brain-like tier intelligently learns the optimal joint policies for heterogeneous execution entity scheduling and resource scaling. After highlighting key design aspects of the IZeRO-NF framework, we present simulation results from a case study that demonstrate its security and efficiency. Finally, we discuss open issues that warrant further exploration to advance and refine this novel framework.