AI-Native Network Controller: A Modular Framework for Safe Agentic Control of Multi-Domain Network Infrastructure

Abstract

The convergence of multiple network domains, including radio access, optical transport, and core networks, under unified intelligent control is a fundamental requirement for future 6G systems. This is important because existing network controllers remain largely domain-specific, such as the O-RAN RIC for radio, or they lack native support for AI-driven automation across heterogeneous infrastructure. As a result, safe and coordinated agentic control of multi-domain networks is still an open challenge. In this paper, we present the AI-Native Network Controller (AI-NNC), an open-source and modular framework that enables agentic AI control across diverse network domains. The framework is designed around a protocol-agnostic architecture in which each physical device is integrated through a lightweight Python adapter, while control logic is implemented through domain-specific control applications. Beyond closed-loop control, the framework also supports dataset collection, agentic AI experimentation, and coordinated testbed operation using the same validated control and measurement interfaces. This design enables a safer paradigm for autonomous network management, where AI agents operate through validated applications rather than issuing commands directly to network equipment.