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Technical Paper
arXiv:2501.05323v1
DISTRIBUTEDLEARNINGANDINFERENCESYSTEMS

"A Networking Perspective on Data and Dynamics-Aware Inference and Training Networks (DA-ITN)"

Hesham G. MoussaArashmid AkhavainS. Maryam HosseiniBill McCormick

Abstract

Machine learning models have achieved, and in some cases surpassed, human-level performance in various tasks, mainly through centralized training. However, privacy concerns, high storage demands, and single points of failure drive interest in decentralized methods. This work proposes a novel framework: Data and Dynamics-Aware Inference and Training Networks (DA-ITN).

I. The Shift to Decentralization

Centralization has become increasingly expensive with the exponential growth in data volumes and model sizes. Cost is further aggravated in life-long learning, requiring frequent re-training. To address these limitations, decentralization has gained attention across healthcare, robotics, and mobile networks.

Training Challenges

  • • High computational costs
  • • Privacy & security risks
  • • Data transfer bottlenecks

Inference Challenges

  • • Single points of failure
  • • Server congestion
  • • Sensitive query exposure

II. DA-ITN Framework Overview

The model-follow-data paradigm views decentralized AI as a network of connected nodes where models, data, and queries are optimally routed. DA-ITN is structured into five functional layers:

01
Terminal Layer

Nodes storing training data, computing facilities, and Model Performance Verification Units (MPVUs).

02
Tools Layer

Essential services: communication, networking, location, sensing, and process management.

03
DRRT/QRRT Layer

The topology bridge holding Knowledge, Resource, and Reachability information.

04
Control Center (DCC)

The intelligence core for route computation, feasibility assessment, and optimization.

05
OAM Layer

Management layer for configuration, connectivity, and model tracking.

III. The DA-ITN Control Center

The DCC layer houses the intelligence needed to make critical decisions based on user requirements. Key components include:

MTRCE / QIRCE

Route Compute Engines that determine where model data rendezvous or query routing should occur.

T-FAM / Q-FAM

Feasibility Assessment Modules evaluating if training or inference is possible given current network states.

IV. Fully Autonomous DA-ITN

We envision a system of AI Objects—intelligent autonomous entities that independently navigate the network. These objects consume network information to steer themselves without centralized control.

Autonomous AI Traffic Steering (AATS)

AI packets that compute their own destinations based on payload requirements, available resources, and real-time network states.

V. Challenges & Research Directions

Topology Generation

Constructing DRRT/QRRT maps is complex and risks data overhead and privacy exposure.

Real-Time Sync

Topologies must mirror the terminal layer state with sub-millisecond precision.

Privacy-Forward Logic

Developing decentralized methods that maintain absolute data anonymity while enabling global training.

"The next generation of distributed AI systems will be defined by the careful design and optimization of networked rendezvous points."

Distributed Intelligence Network

Optimizing the "model-follow-data" paradigm for 2026.