Toward Intelligent Intent-Based Network Slicing for IoT Systems: Enabling Technologies, Challenges, and Vision

The rapid integration of intelligence and automation into future Internet of Things (IoT) systems, empowered by Intent-based Networking (IBN) and Network Slicing (NS) technologies, is transforming the way novel services are envisioned and delivered. The automation capabilities of IBN depend significantly on key facilitators, including data management and resource management. A robust data management methodology is essential for leveraging large-scale data, encompassing service-specific and network-specific data, enabling IBN systems to extract insights and facilitate real-time decision-making. Another critical enabler involves deploying intent-based mechanisms within an NS system that translate and ensure user intents by mapping them to precise Management and Orchestration (MO) commands. Nevertheless, data management in IoT systems faces significant security and operational challenges due to the diverse range of services and technologies involved. Furthermore, intent-based resource management demands intelligent proactive, and adaptive MO mechanisms that can fulfill a wide range of intent requirements. Existing surveys within the field have focused on technology-specific advancements, often overlooking these challenges. In response, this paper defines Intelligent Intent-Based Network Slicing (I-IBNS) systems exemplifying the integration of intelligent IBN and NS for the MO of IoT systems. Furthermore, the paper surveys I-IBNS systems, focusing on two critical domains: resource management and data management. The resource management segment examines recent developments in IBN mechanisms within an NS system. Meanwhile, the second segment explores data management complexities within IoT networks. Moreover, the paper envisions the roles of intent, NS, and the IoT ecosystem, thereby laying the foundation for future research directions.