Architectural Foundations and Standardization Outlook for AI-Enabled 6G Core Network

6G will provide a new opportunity to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into wireless communication. The current 5G Core (5GC) architecture possesses limitations that restrict its ability to effectively deploy AI functions, including the lack of a standardized, unified access layer for network data, limited service exposure models that cannot fully support AI feedback loops, and tight coupling between logic and signaling that inhibits the insertion of AI-based decision-making components. This paper explores approaches to address the 5GC shortcomings in the future 6G Core (6GC) network. Recommendations for architectural evolution and standardization are discussed to facilitate scalable, efficient, and adaptable AI-enabled 6G networks.