6G Access and Edge Computing – ICDT Deep Convergence

This chapter is dedicated to the forthcoming evolutions of access networks and how they may be used for beyond 5G and 6G networks. A holistic view on the fundamentals is presented, delineating the key DNA of future systems: Efficiency, Agility, Disaggregation, and Native artificial intelligence (AI). As much as the true information and communication technology (ICT) convergence has impacted 5G access and edge, ICDT (information, communication, and data technology) deep convergence will lay the foundation of 6G and its great opportunities and challenges. We will cover the architecture, management and orchestration, control, and scheduling aspects, across both cross-layer and cross-hierarchy paradigms. The progress of relevant efforts from various academic institutes, industry alliances, and open-source communities will be highlighted, with a conjecture on how they may influence (or transform) traditional standards developing organization (SDO's) work toward 6G.