U Mobile Pilots ZTE AIR Core AI to Accelerate 5G-Advanced Network Transition

U Mobile has partnered with ZTE to pilot the AIR Core solution, an AI-native 5G core network platform designed to accelerate Malaysia's transition toward 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and 6G capabilities. This strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to enhance network efficiency, stability, and intelligent operations for both consumers and enterprise clients. By deploying Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twin technologies within its 5G core, U Mobile is shifting its infrastructure from a traditional cloud-native architecture to a highly adaptive AI-native environment.

This development is highly relevant for telecom engineers, enterprise IT leaders, and digital infrastructure strategists. By transitioning to an AI-native architecture, network operators can leverage predictive analytics and automated threat detection to ensure seamless connectivity during peak loads. For enterprises, this means faster deployment of business-critical applications and highly reliable network performance tailored to specific operational needs.

As global telecommunications shift toward 5G-Advanced, the integration of Artificial Intelligence directly into the core network is becoming essential. This move allows operators to dynamically manage resources and monetize new digital services in real time, aligning with broader national digital transformation agendas, including the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan.

Under the MoU, U Mobile and ZTE will jointly conduct planning and feasibility studies focusing on three specific technical initiatives to upgrade the core network:

• AI + Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF): This integration leverages advanced machine learning models to deliver a data-driven core network. It improves traffic prediction, optimizes resources, and enables dynamic policy adjustments to maintain consistent user experiences during peak periods.
• AI + User Plane Function (UPF): Utilizing Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities, this solution enables self-updating Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) databases. This allows for the rapid identification of new services and protocols, strengthening the network's real-time adaptability and creating new monetization opportunities.
• AI + Operations: AI-powered automation will be driven across the core network to handle complex Operations and Maintenance (O&M) scenarios. This includes intelligent threat detection and anomaly monitoring to proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities across the 5G Core infrastructure.

Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile, emphasized that the AIR Core's Digital Twin technologies will allow the company to simulate and validate new applications and configurations before deployment, significantly accelerating the time-to-market for enterprise solutions. Steven Ge, Managing Director of ZTE Malaysia, added that the collaboration focuses on exploring practical use cases that enhance efficiency, stability, and service innovation to build the next generation of intelligent networks.

What is the ZTE AIR Core solution?

It is a next-generation, AI-native core network platform designed to support 5G-Advanced and future 6G networks through intelligent automation and Digital Twin technologies.

How does AI improve the User Plane Function (UPF)?

It utilizes Large Language Models to enable self-updating Deep Packet Inspection databases, allowing the network to quickly identify new digital services and adapt traffic management in real time.

The integration of Large Language Models directly into the UPF for automated DPI updates is a significant technical leap from traditional, static rule-based traffic management. By utilizing the ZTE AIR Core solution, U Mobile is demonstrating a broader industry trend where telecom operators are no longer just providing raw bandwidth. Instead, they are actively using AI to create dynamic, self-healing networks that can instantly recognize and monetize emerging digital protocols. This proactive approach to network management will be a critical differentiator as enterprise demands for 5G-Advanced capabilities continue to scale.