Communications and Networks Resources Sharing in 6G: Challenges, Architecture, and Opportunities

To realize unprecedented applications and individualized services, dynamic and efficient communications and networks resources (CNRs) sharing is crucial in the 6G era. While exploring novel CNRs undoubtedly enhances comprehensive performance in 6G networks, improving the effective utilization of existing resources can balance the burden on communication networks and increase the quality of service. This article systematically investigates the challenges associated with future CNRs sharing in 6G networks, and clarifies the potential of blockchain and evolutionary algorithms in CNRs sharing. Meanwhile, we propose a generalized architecture for CNRs sharing in 6G networks, which can support various types of CNRs sharing, single or hybrid. Specifically, a blockchain embedded with an adjustable consensus mechanism is employed to ensure the security and efficiency of resource trading. Furthermore, evolutionary algorithms are utilized to achieve customizable and flexible resource matching. The simulation result indicates that the proposed architecture not only facilitates efficient resource trading but also effectively improves resource utilization, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed architecture. Finally, we outline open issues for future work related to the proposed architecture.