Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) identifies “artificial intelligence (AI) and communication” as one of six key usage scenarios for 6G. Agentic AI, characterized by its capabilities in multi-modal environmental sensing, complex task coordination, and continuous self-optimization, is anticipated to drive the evolution toward agent-based communication networks. Semantic communication (SemCom), in turn, has emerged as a transformative paradigm that offers task-oriented efficiency, enhanced reliability in complex environments, and dynamic adaptation in resource allocation. However, comprehensive reviews that trace their technological evolution in the contexts of agent communications remain scarce. Addressing this gap, this paper systematically explores the role of semantics in agent communication networks. We first propose a novel architecture for semantic-based agent communication networks, structured into three layers, four entities, and four stages. Three wireless agent network layers define the logical structure and organization of entity interactions: the intention extraction and understanding layer, the semantic encoding and processing layer, and the distributed autonomy and collaboration layer. Across these layers, four AI agent entities, namely embodied agents, communication agents, network agents, and application agents, coexist and perform distinct tasks. Furthermore, four operational stages of semantic-enhanced agentic AI systems, namely perception, memory, reasoning, and action, form a cognitive cycle guiding agent behavior. Based on the proposed architecture, we provide a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art on how semantics enhance agent communication networks. Finally, we identify key challenges and present potential solutions to offer directional guidance for future research in this emerging field.
Authors: Ping Zhang, Rui Meng, Xiaodong Xu, Yaheng Wang, Zixuan Huang, Yiming Liu, Ruichen Zhang, Yinqiu Liu, Haonan Tong, Huishi Song, Gang Wu, Zhaoming Lu, Jiawen Kang, Geng Sun, Qinghe Du, Zhaohui Yang, Jingxuan Zhang, Han Meng, Lexi Xu, Haitao Zhao, Zesong Fei, Yiqing Zhou, Pei Xiao, Meixia Tao, Qinyu Zhang, Shuguang Cui, Rahim Tafazolli
Institutions: Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Nanyang Technological University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Ubiquitous Energy (United States), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Guangdong University of Technology, Jilin University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Zhejiang University, China Mobile (China), China United Network Communications Group (China), National University of Defense Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Institute of Computing Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Surrey, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Harbin Institute of Technology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
Awards: G684591655, G8219081688
OpenAlex ID: W7140827468
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