#China #Shanghai #Huawei #AI Services #Smart WAN

Huawei Unveils Smart WAN Architecture for ISPs

On September 17, 2026, during the HUAWEI CONNECT 2026 event held in Shanghai, Huawei presented its innovative Smart WAN architecture aimed at strengthening connectivity infrastructure for Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The roundtable discussion titled "Enhancing AI Service Connectivity for ISPs" brought together global experts and partners in the ISP industry to explore current trends, solutions, and best practices. The event shed light on how AI and computing power can unleash new potential in the ever-evolving smart era.

Revolutionizing the ISP Landscape

Wayne Zhou, Huawei's Vice President of ISP Computing and Network Infrastructure Business Unit, emphasized the rapid commercialization of AI and its ability to allow asset-heavy companies to generate revenue through lightweight services. Recent trends are reshaping the ISP landscape, pushing providers beyond mere data pipelines to leverage unique advantages offered by edge nodes. By integrating connectivity, computing, and APIs, ISPs are transitioning from bandwidth selling to offering robust AI services. Moreover, they are establishing unified, intelligent, service-oriented WAN networks to enhance AI readiness and drive continuous improvement.

In a comprehensive presentation, Ado, CEO of Huawei's Wide Area Network (WAN) Division, introduced the Smart WAN target architecture, highlighting that agent-based AI is leading three significant transformations in the networking domain. First, the migration of connections from humans to agents; second, the shift from heavily downward traffic patterns to substantial upward traffic flows; and third, the expansion of network experience assurance across entire agency workflows from specific applications. To keep pace with these transformations, ISPs need to enhance their network capabilities.

Strategic Foundations for Success

Ado proposed prioritizing three strategic foundations for ISPs:
1. Creating a Hierarchical, Modular, and Standardized Integrated IP + Optical Target Architecture: This will enable ISPs to swiftly expand their assets, offer services, and bolster network resilience, accelerating the deployment of AI services.
2. Focusing on End-to-End User Experience: By transforming network capabilities into identifiable, measurable, and deliverable differentiated services, ISPs can turn both their network efficiencies and AI capabilities into new revenue streams.
3. Enhancing Intelligent Operations and Maintenance Competencies: Through tools like Network Digital Map, fault detection, and AI assistants, ISPs can significantly reduce operating expenses (OPEX) while enhancing operational and maintenance (OM) efficiency.

Huawei also presented a development roadmap for target WANs, providing guidance for ISPs to explore new growth opportunities in the AI era.

Insights from Industry Leaders

The roundtable featured insights from various industry leaders, including Lintasarta from Indonesia, SiliconFlow from China, and Telconet from Ecuador, all sharing their experiences and views on AI services and intelligent network implementation. Participating ISP experts offered valuable insights into network planning and establishment in the AI age, inspiring actionable guidelines for attendees. Following this event, Huawei aims to continue its investment and innovation in the ISP and computing network fields, working collaboratively with customers to unlock the doors to a smarter future.