行业洞察 | 2026通信网络产业升级：迈向万兆、智联、全域覆盖新纪元

As the cornerstone of the "Network Powerhouse" and "Digital China" strategies, communication networks are entering a critical upgrade window.According to the latest insights report released by Ccid Consulting，China's communication network infrastructure has officially entered a new era of 10G, ultra-wideband, and ubiquitous connectivity. Services such as integrated sensing, computation, and communication (ISCC), cloud heterogeneity, and deterministic networking are advancing rapidly. Network operations and maintenance are evolving toward advanced autonomous levels, edge AI, and agent-based communications.

Industry Panorama

Three Core Trends Reshaping the Network Landscape

Trend 1: Infrastructure construction enters a new phase

The foundation of communication infrastructure is significantly strengthening. Building on the existing gigabit optical network coverage across more than 3 billion administrative regions, "10Gbps optical networks" are now becoming the primary focus of construction.

Industry Chain MaturityThe number of our country's 1G PON OLT ports accounts for more than 85% globally. With advancements in 5G PON, Wi-Fi7, and backbone network 40G/80G technologies, the 10G ecosystem is now largely mature.
Protocol BreakthroughThe release of the PCIe 7.0 standard doubles transmission bandwidth. Combined with intelligent scheduling in metro optical networks, it effectively supports demanding requirements for ultra-low latency and massive bandwidth in industrial internet applications.
Integrated Space-Air-Ground Network: Coverage is expanding from the ground to "3D ubiquitous" networks. The integration of 5G-A/6G with satellite internet is accelerating the development of space-ground coordinated frequency and core network systems.

Trend 2: Network services are evolving toward convergence.

Network capabilities are evolving from "connectivity" to "enablement."

Deep integration of sensing, communication, and computing5G-A/6G spectrum extends into millimeter-wave and terahertz bands, enabling deep integration of communication, sensing, and computing capabilities. Networks now support centimeter-level high-precision positioning and environmental awareness. Sensing technologies based on wireless signals and fiber optics are already deployed in commercial applications such as indoor positioning, health monitoring, and facility surveillance.
Cloud HeterogeneityLeverage "cloud heterogeneity" to integrate CPU, GPU, and specialized compute. Combined with native AI and modular design, it enables service-oriented resource orchestration and on-demand scheduling from cloud to edge.
Deterministic DeliveryAt the same time, deterministic networking is expanding from LANs to wide-area and cross-domain networks, delivering high-quality, predictable connectivity for industrial control, remote operation, and immersive interaction.

Trend 3: Network Operations Evolving Toward Advanced Intelligence

AI is reshaping network operations and interaction architectures.

From L3 to L4Large models and generative AI are driving network operations from traditional condition-based autonomy (L3) toward highly autonomous operations (L4), aiming to achieve ultimate operational efficiency with zero-touch and self-optimization capabilities through intent-driven technologies.
Edge NetworkDeep integration of cloud-native and edge AI technologies drives intelligent computing power and algorithms toward the network edge and terminals. In this process, digital twin networks become core tools for planning and risk control.
Agent Communication Network (ACN)Looking ahead, as AI agents begin commercial deployment, Agent Communication Networks (ACN) capable of supporting multimodal interaction and dynamic collaboration have become a new focus for industry strategy.

Real-world challenges

The "hard bones" behind the glamour

Despite positive trends, the report identifies three major challenges facing China's communications network industry as it advances to cutting-edge technologies.

1. The cutting-edge technology industry ecosystem remains immature with existing gaps.

Hardware levelHigh-speed optical modules require indium phosphide and other compound semiconductor materials, high-speed DAC/ADC chips, advanced-process communication chips, and 6G RF devices. The domestic supply chain still lags behind international leaders in maturity.
Software levelThe AI algorithm framework, network OS kernel, and high-end simulation toolchain for self-driving networks lack sufficient ecosystem richness and market recognition, hindering the efficiency of transitioning from R&D to large-scale commercialization.

2. Business return model remains to be explored

Investment pressureUpgrades to 10G optical networks, 5G-A/6G network construction, and satellite internet constellation deployment all require capital-intensive investments with high costs and long payback periods.
Lack of a "killer app"High-value scenarios for consumers and small-to-medium enterprises are lagging in development, and existing network capabilities have not been effectively converted into scalable, replicable business models.

3. New challenges to standards and security

Standard SplitIn key areas such as integrated sensing, computing, and communication, as well as space-air-ground integration, standards remain unaligned. This results in limited device compatibility and high costs for data interoperability.
New Security ChallengesCurrent cybersecurity frameworks, built on traditional network architectures, fall short in dynamic defense, cross-domain collaboration, and proactive risk prediction, failing to meet the comprehensive security needs of next-generation communication networks.

Built for the Future

Strategies for Breaking Through Development Bottlenecks

1. Focus on breakthroughs in key technologies and ecosystem building

Leverage national strategic scientific and technological capabilities to establish industry-academia-research consortia, focusing on breakthroughs in high-speed optical/electronic chips, advanced semiconductor materials, and operating system kernels. Accelerate the transition of technologies such as deterministic networking and integrated sensing, communication, and computing from prototype validation to large-scale commercial deployment, solidifying the technical foundation.

2. Innovative Business and Network Building Models

Encourage operators and equipment vendors to collaborate with key sectors such as smart manufacturing and the low-altitude economy, actively exploring diverse investment and construction models. Provide flexible solutions for SMEs through services like Communications-as-a-Service (CaaS) to shorten return-on-investment cycles.

3. Strengthen Standard Alignment and Proactive Security Protection

Deeply participate in and lead the formulation of international standards for 6G and agent-based communications, accelerating the establishment of a unified domestic standard system. Deploy a dynamic defense framework based on zero trust and intrinsic security, develop intelligent collaborative defense technologies, and achieve real-time threat detection and coordinated response.

*The above content and data are sourced from the report "2026: Insights into Industrial Upgrading Trends and Policy Recommendations for China's Communication Network Industry" released by CCID.

The 2026th year of the communications network industry is both a period for unleashing the benefits of "10 Gigabit" and AI technologies and a critical phase for overcoming fundamental hard-tech challenges. Only by achieving autonomy and controllability in core technologies and finding value loops in business models can we truly build a secure foundation for the digital economy.