#China #Shanghai #Huawei #AI Services #WAN Architecture

Introduction

On September 17, 2026, during HUAWEI CONNECT 2026 held in Shanghai, Huawei presented a groundbreaking approach to wide area network (WAN) design that aims to enhance connectivity for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The roundtable, titled "Intelligent WAN, Fortifying the AI Services Connectivity Foundation for ISPs," brought together global experts and partners from the ISP sector to discuss industry trends, solutions, and best practices.

Key Insights from the Roundtable

Wayne Zhou, the Vice President of Huawei’s ISP Computing and Network Infrastructure, explained that the commercialization of AI is rapidly accelerating. This trend opens up opportunities for operators with substantial assets to monetize their capabilities through streamlined service offerings. As the ISP landscape evolves, they are moving beyond merely providing data lines to leveraging edge nodes' unique advantages. This shift facilitates the integration of connectivity, computing, and APIs, transiting from bandwidth selling to AI service provision. Moreover, ISPs are working towards constructing a unified, intelligent WAN that enhances AI readiness and drives continuous evolution in their services.

Ado, CEO of Huawei's Wide Area Network sector, revealed the new intelligent WAN architecture, highlighting that agent-based AI is prompting three significant changes in networking. Firstly, the transition of connections from human to agent inputs; secondly, a shift in traffic patterns from high downlink to massive uplink traffic; and thirdly, an expansion in network experience assurance from specific applications to entire agent workflows. For ISPs to navigate these transformations successfully, it is critical for them to bolster their network capabilities.

Strategic Pillars for Future Development

Zhou proposed focusing on three strategic pillars:
1. Building a Hierarchical, Modular, and Standardized Converged IP+Optical Reference Architecture: This approach enables ISPs to expand their presence swiftly, deliver services effectively, and enhance network resilience all while accelerating the launch of AI services.
2. Focusing on End-to-End User Experience: This will transform network capabilities into distinct, definable, measurable, and available services, driving monetization opportunities for both network capabilities and AI assets.
3. Enhancing Smart Management and Maintenance Capabilities: By utilizing tools such as a Network Digital Map, error detection agents, and AI assistants, ISPs can significantly reduce operational expenditures (OPEX) and boost overall management efficiency.

Engagement with Global Partners

During the roundtable, notable companies such as Lintasarta Indonesia, SiliconFlow China, and Telconet Ecuador shared insights about their AI services and intelligent network distribution implementations. Participants received valuable guidance for effectively planning and developing networks in the age of AI, reinforcing the collaborative spirit among ISPs and solution providers.

Future Directions

Looking forward, Huawei plans to continue enhancing its innovations and investments within the ISP and computing network fields. Collaborating closely with its clients, the company aims to usher in a more intelligent future for network solutions.

Conclusion

With the ongoing evolution of technology and connectivity demands, Huawei’s new WAN architecture signifies a transformative leap for ISP service capabilities, particularly in leveraging AI to provide enriched, agile, and customer-centric solutions. As the industry embraces this shift, we can anticipate a rapid advancement towards smarter, more connected environments that will benefit both service providers and users alike.