Huawei Unveils Next-Generation WAN White Paper at Upperside World Congress 2026

During the Upperside World Congress 2026, Huawei hosted its IP Gala summit, focusing on the theme "Next-Generation WAN: Boosting New Growth for Carriers." At this event, Huawei presented a comprehensive white paper detailing next-generation WAN (NG-WAN) networks, attended by WBBA, the IPv6 Forum, and leading telecom operators. The document outlines target IP networks for the year 2030, enabling operators to build secure and comprehensive networks that provide optimal user experiences while promoting revenue growth and operational efficiency.

Globally recognized operators, industry leaders, and standardization bodies engaged in discussions about essential topics such as multidimensional awareness, network security and resilience, and network autonomy, collaborating to advance the development of IP transport networks towards Net5.5G.

Accelerating AI-Driven Network Infrastructure Upgrades

Telecom operators are harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), supported by IPv6 and SRv6 technologies, to unlock network capabilities, significantly cut costs, and enhance operational performance. Latif Ladid, president of the IPv6 Forum, emphasized that various countries are implementing strategies focusing on AI-driven sovereign clouds, resilience, security, and even quantum security measures. These developments lay the groundwork for operators to evolve their infrastructure networks.

The NG-WAN white paper provides a roadmap for achieving target IP networks. In the era of the Internet of Agent, the fusion of intelligence and networking is steering IP networks toward smarter, more efficient architectures. John Cai, President of Router Domain at Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, noted that next-generation WANs should prioritize three core pillars: multidimensional awareness, security and resilience, and network autonomy. This focus will support operators in accelerating network monetization and drastically cutting costs to improve efficiency.

Key Features of the NG-WAN

Recently published, the NG-WAN white paper delivers a 360-degree overview of creating a target WAN by 2030, outlining major characteristics, reference architectures, valuable scenarios, innovative technologies, and construction specifications. This information is invaluable for global operators seeking to evolve their networks effectively.

Industry leaders shared best practices and set benchmarks for network evolution. Mehmed Durmus, Associate Director for IP/MPLS Core and Data Center Networks at Turkcell, Turkey, shared insights from implementing next-gen WANs. He pointed out that emerging innovations such as 5G/5G-A and intelligent computing are increasingly pressuring traditional networking. In response to these demands, Turkcell has adopted cutting-edge solutions like lossless RDMA technology, dynamic AI-based energy-saving measures, and fiber-optic maintenance, making significant strides in intelligent computing, energy conservation, and smart management. This strategy serves as a role model for next-generation IP transport networks.

Xu Huan, Vice President of Router Domain in Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, discussed the fundamental principles, key scenarios, and business value associated with next-generation WANs. He outlined that NG-WANs must prioritize AI and incorporate a fully converged multi-service network architecture that integrates networking, processing, and security components.

Future Prospects and Collaboration

The future NG-WAN networks will be built on eco-friendly ultra-broadband platforms utilizing 400GE/800GE technologies and will feature multidimensional monitoring capabilities. These innovations aim to deliver an optimal user experience for high-priority customers and services, consequently increasing ARPU and DOU metrics while ensuring continuous service through comprehensive security and resilience frameworks. Additionally, enhanced agent presence will boost network autonomy further.

Throughout the summit, experts shared innovative technologies and practices around service monitoring, targeted marketing, comprehensive security resilience, and intelligent network management for rich broadband contexts.

Looking ahead, Huawei aims to strengthen partnerships with global operators and industry-leading companies, leveraging the immense potential of networks while simultaneously promoting sustainable growth for telecommunications operators.