Huawei's KI-WAN Revolutionizes IP Networks for Intelligent Era Growth

Huawei's Transformative KI-WAN Initiative

On March 24, 2025, during the MPLS & SRv6 AI Net World Congress, Huawei unveiled its groundbreaking initiative, KI-WAN, aimed at leading IP networks into an intelligent era and significantly boosting service growth for network operators. The event, held in Paris, brought together industry leaders, operators, and standards organizations to explore the latest innovations and trends in KI-WAN technology.

The summit featured notable contributions from leading telecom operators such as Telecom Argentina and Turkcell Türkiye, who showcased their innovative approaches towards enhancing IP networks. This gathering also marked the launch of the KI-WAN initiative, a collaborative effort involving the IPv6 Forum, the World Broadband Association (WBBA), and Huawei, designed to foster the development of innovative services in IP networks.

Challenges in the Current Network Landscape

During the opening speech, Zuo Meng, President of Huawei's Router Domain, addressed the multifaceted challenges operators are currently facing. These include stagnating growth of traditional services, the slower-than-anticipated rollout of new services, and the escalating complexity and costs of network operations. He emphasized the need for transitioning to next-generation networks through advanced AI technologies integrated into operational management, connectivity, and routing devices. This integration is expected to enhance the functionality and overall value of network operations.

Latif Ladid, President of the IPv6 Forum, supported this view, stating that the integration of AI into network infrastructure is essential for the future. To expedite the adoption of SRv6 (Stateless Routing version 6), the IPv6 Forum has introduced the SRv6-Ready logo program. Huawei is proud to be among the first device vendors to achieve this certification.

Showcasing Innovation in IP Networks

Santiago Costanzo, Transport Evolution Manager at Telecom Argentina, shared insights into the deployment of key technologies within AI-driven IP networks. He outlined how SRv6 can enhance end-to-end (E2E) automation efficiency and achieve deterministic latency, highlighting the role of AI in streamlining operational management. Meanwhile, Durmus Mehmet, Deputy Director of IP/MPLS Core and Data Center Networks at Turkcell, revealed plans for constructing an ultra-fast, highly reliable autonomous network, underscoring Turkcell’s commitment to advancing with Huawei in energy efficiency, fiber monitoring, and AI applications.

Xu Huan, Vice President of the Router Division at Huawei, provided a detailed overview of the KI-WAN solution’s tri-layer architecture, consisting of AI routers, new AI connections, and an advanced AI brain. This architecture will aid network operators in not only building cost-effective networks but also in expanding service offerings and improving operational efficiency to meet new market demands.

Wu Qin, Huawei's architect and member of the IETF Internet Architecture Board, explained the innovative AI brain component, structured from AssurSpirit, ChangeSpirit, and OptimSpirit. This design allows for intelligent operations and accelerates the journey towards autonomous networks at Layer 4.

Additionally, insights from Carsten Rossenhövel, CTO of the European Advanced Networking Test Center (EANTC), showcased advancements in interoperability testing among multiple vendors, indicating a mature level of interoperability for essential IP network functionalities in the AI era.

The New Era of IP Network Innovation

As the IP GALA concluded, the collaborative announcement of the KI-WAN initiative signifies an optimistic future where innovation in IP networks will thrive. The involvement of significant players like the IPv6 Forum, WBBA, and leading telecom operators reinforces the initiative's potential to catalyze growth in new service landscapes.

Looking ahead, Huawei aims to continue partnerships with network providers and industry stakeholders to explore new market opportunities in this intelligent era, ensuring that customers can achieve business success through enhanced service offerings and innovative technologies. As the communications landscape evolves, Huawei remains committed to leading the charge into a new age of connectivity and service growth.