Research Article

Knowledge-Defined Networking: A Superior Paradigm for Autonomous 6G Systems

Volume: 16 Number: 1 March 1, 2026
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Knowledge-Defined Networking: A Superior Paradigm for Autonomous 6G Systems

Abstract

The emergence of 6G networks introduces a new level of complexity by requiring robust and adaptive solutions for network management. Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) approaches can support dynamic network conditions, their dependence on large datasets, lack of transparency, and high computational demands limit their effectiveness in real-world applications. Accordingly, this paper presents knowledge-defined networking (KDN) as a superior approach that combines domain-specific knowledge with AI/ML capabilities to enhance network management performance. The proposed KDN architecture consists of four modular planes—Data, Control, Knowledge, and Management—that interact seamlessly to improve decision-making and management. Through a comparative analysis, this study highlights the benefits of KDN in routing management, including higher packet delivery ratios (up to 21% improvement), reduced latency (up to 32% lower), lower energy consumption (up to 27% savings), and improved adaptability (up to 36% enhancement) in changing network conditions. Empirical results from a simulated 6G environment show that KDN consistently outperforms other AI/ML approaches. These results support KDN as a crucial framework to overcome the limitations of AI/ML for intelligent and reliable network management.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Computer Software, Software Engineering (Other), Quantum Engineering Systems (Incl. Computing and Communications)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

March 1, 2026

Submission Date

April 15, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 3, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 16 Number: 1

APA
Bilen, T. (2026). Knowledge-Defined Networking: A Superior Paradigm for Autonomous 6G Systems. Journal of the Institute of Science and Technology, 16(1), 14-30. https://doi.org/10.21597/jist.1676718
AMA
1.Bilen T. Knowledge-Defined Networking: A Superior Paradigm for Autonomous 6G Systems. J. Inst. Sci. and Tech. 2026;16(1):14-30. doi:10.21597/jist.1676718
Chicago
Bilen, Tuğçe. 2026. “Knowledge-Defined Networking: A Superior Paradigm for Autonomous 6G Systems”. Journal of the Institute of Science and Technology 16 (1): 14-30. https://doi.org/10.21597/jist.1676718.
EndNote
Bilen T (March 1, 2026) Knowledge-Defined Networking: A Superior Paradigm for Autonomous 6G Systems. Journal of the Institute of Science and Technology 16 1 14–30.
IEEE
[1]T. Bilen, “Knowledge-Defined Networking: A Superior Paradigm for Autonomous 6G Systems”, J. Inst. Sci. and Tech., vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 14–30, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.21597/jist.1676718.
ISNAD
Bilen, Tuğçe. “Knowledge-Defined Networking: A Superior Paradigm for Autonomous 6G Systems”. Journal of the Institute of Science and Technology 16/1 (March 1, 2026): 14-30. https://doi.org/10.21597/jist.1676718.
JAMA
1.Bilen T. Knowledge-Defined Networking: A Superior Paradigm for Autonomous 6G Systems. J. Inst. Sci. and Tech. 2026;16:14–30.
MLA
Bilen, Tuğçe. “Knowledge-Defined Networking: A Superior Paradigm for Autonomous 6G Systems”. Journal of the Institute of Science and Technology, vol. 16, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 14-30, doi:10.21597/jist.1676718.
Vancouver
1.Tuğçe Bilen. Knowledge-Defined Networking: A Superior Paradigm for Autonomous 6G Systems. J. Inst. Sci. and Tech. 2026 Mar. 1;16(1):14-30. doi:10.21597/jist.1676718