Token Communications (TokCom): A Unified AI-Native Communication Framework

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) evolves from static perception to generative reasoning and autonomous agency, the fundamental principles of wireless communications are undergoing a paradigm shift. The classical Shannon paradigm, centered on reliable bit-level reconstruction for users, is increasingly misaligned with an emerging scenario in which the primary users of the network are interconnected AI agents. This article introduces token communications (TokCom), a novel framework that elevates tokens, i.e., the fundamental processing units of large language models (LLMs), to first-class entities for information exchange in the sixth generation wireless cellular networks (6G). We first examine the architectural transition from conventional communication systems to TokCom and identify the key challenges in implementing this transition, along with potential solution approaches. Thereafter, we present a practical case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of token sharing among heterogeneous language models. Finally, we outline promising future research directions toward realizing an AI-native, token-driven communication paradigm suitable for 6G.