5G and AI-based data fusion in intelligent networks

This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of 5G and artificial intelligence (AI)-based data fusion techniques in intelligent networks (INs). It briefly overviews the state-of-the-art features of these technologies, with a main focus on data fusion methods. The IN present, traditional networks converged to work with AI solutions toward more autonomous and intelligent decision-making while improving the quality of services and performances. Integrating AI models into IN applications, such as fifth-generation (5G) communication technology, enhances network performance, while minimizing the resource consumption. It allows for handling large volumes of data by adopting data fusion methods that reduce the computation complexity and improve the data quality. This chapter highlights the most common data fusion classifications, including the data fusion levels, types, and techniques. An extensive comparative analysis to help researchers choose the optimal data fusion method according to the domain of applications, key features, and implementation complexity is presented.