面向6G的数字孪生网络综述:架构、应用和挑战

Survey on digital twin network towards 6G:Architectures,applications and challenges

数字孪生网络(digital twin network,DTN)是一种利用数字孪生(digital twin,DT)技术创建物理网络设施的孪生虚拟数字网络。通过DT技术,DTN将从多个方面提升6G网络的能力,包括智能故障管理、智能网络优化和管理、网络智慧内生,助力实现极简化、智能化和自动化的网络。通过对DTN进行全面研究,描述了DTN的主要特征和定义,阐述了DTN的架构、协议及接口和生命周期管理,并阐述其在模型管理与部署、资源管理与调度、安全与隐私保护、智能网络运维和智能交通这几个方面的应用,分析了DTN的挑战与未来。

The digital twin network(DTN)is an emerging network that uses digital twin(DT)technology to create virtual replicas of physical objects.With DT technology,DTN will enhance the capabilities of 6G networks in many ways,including intelligent fault management,intelligent network optimization and management,and endogenous network intelligence,helping to achieve a highly simplified,intelligent,and automated network.This paper comprehensively studies DTN,first outlining its key features and definitions.Secondly,this paper describes the architecture,protocols,interfaces and lifecycle management of DTN.Then,the applications of DTN in model management and deployment,resource management and scheduling,security and privacy protection,intelligent network operation and maintenance,and intelligent transportation are elaborated.Finally,the challenges and prospects of DTN are pointed out.