AI/ML Papers17 min read9 citations

Distributed Foundation Models for Heterogeneous Network Optimization

Dr. Mingzhe Chen, Prof. Walid Saad, Dr. Changchuan Yin

Virginia Tech / Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications

Feb 4, 2026View on arXiv

Abstract

We introduce a distributed foundation model framework for optimizing heterogeneous wireless networks comprising macro cells, small cells, and Wi-Fi access points. A pre-trained base model is split across network tiers with tier-specific adapter modules, enabling coordinated optimization without sharing raw data between tiers. The framework achieves 30% better network-wide throughput than independent per-tier optimization while reducing inter-tier interference by 45%.

AI Summary

AI-Generated Summary
  • Distributed foundation model framework for heterogeneous network optimization.
  • 30% better network-wide throughput than per-tier independent optimization.
  • 45% reduction in inter-tier interference through coordinated AI.
  • No raw data sharing required between network tiers.

Key Findings

  • 1Foundation model pre-training on diverse network data enables rapid adaptation to new deployments.
  • 2Adapter modules add less than 5% parameter overhead per tier.
  • 3Coordination through shared model representations outperforms explicit message-passing approaches.

Industry Implications

Provides a practical framework for AI-driven optimization in multi-tier 6G networks.

Addresses data privacy between different network operators and tiers.

Foundation model approach reduces the need for network-specific AI development.

Foundation ModelHetNetDistributed AIOptimization

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