A Task Anchor (TA) is a key control entity in 6G task-centric architecture that manages, coordinates, and controls the lifecycle of a task to ensure required quality of service.
Definition
In a task-centric network architecture for 6G, a Task Anchor (TA) and a Task Executor (TE) are introduced as fundamental entities. The TA and TE use the task itself as the basic object for management and control. Together, they support managing and controlling the complete lifecycle of a task.
The Task Anchor collaborates with the Task Executor to schedule and coordinate computing resources, algorithms, network connections, and data resources. This coordination ensures that the quality of service (QoS) requirements of the task are satisfied and that task execution proceeds smoothly.
The TA plays a central role in maintaining task continuity and performance. By managing task-related control information, the TA enables efficient orchestration of distributed resources in 6G networks that integrate communication, computing, and intelligence.
It should be noted that the terms “task anchor” and “task scheduler” are examples of naming. These entities may have other names in different implementations or standards, and the naming is not limited. In this embodiment, the task anchor and task scheduler are used as illustrative examples.
Examples
In an operator service context, the Task Anchor maintains task-related contextual information. This context is used to support task management, coordination, and execution across terminals and network entities.
The operator service context includes a context identifier, which uniquely identifies the service context associated with a task. It also includes a task anchor identifier or address, which indicates the TA responsible for the task.
Additional information in the operator service context includes an operator service identifier, a terminal identifier, and information about the terminal currently serving the task. Connection information of each terminal participating in the task is also maintained.
By maintaining this comprehensive context information, the Task Anchor enables coordinated task execution, seamless task migration, and reliable service delivery. This is particularly important for advanced 6G services that require dynamic task execution across multiple devices and network domains.
Through task lifecycle management, resource coordination, and context awareness, the Task Anchor becomes a core enabler of intelligent, task-driven communication in future 6G networks.
References
6G Task-Centric Network Architecture and Task Management Concepts
(Task Anchor and Task Executor Framework)