6G • Core Network
INC
In-Network Computing / Compute-as-a-Service
A foundational 6G architecture feature that integrates distributed compute processors directly into user plane switches, routers, and base stations.
Technical Explanation
In-Network Computing (INC) merges telecommunications transmission with compute execution. Rather than treating switches and UPF nodes solely as passive data forwarders, 6G INC equips forwarding hardware with programmable P4 pipelines, WebAssembly execution sandboxes, and neuromorphic accelerators. INC executes application-level tasks—such as federated learning gradient aggregation, video transcoding, sensor data filtering, and cryptographic token verification—directly on data packets in-flight at line rate.
Key Functions
- Executing user and application algorithms inside intermediate user plane nodes at wire speed
- In-flight gradient reduction and aggregation for distributed federated AI learning
- Ultra-low latency consensus and cryptographic zero-knowledge proof verification
- Dynamic compute-load routing directing packets to optimal compute-capable hops
- Sub-microsecond data transformation without round-tripping to centralized data centers
Specifications
ITU-T Y.3180, IETF COINRG RFC Draft, 3GPP Rel-20 Study on INC
Interfaces
N6g-INCP4-RuntimeN-compute-flow
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