Technology Category
Intelligent Robots: Multimodal Perception & Sensor FusionApplication Domains: Internet of Things, Sensor Networks & Smart CitiesMultiagent Systems: Agent Communication
Architecture Considerations for ISAC in 6G
🤖 AI Summary
To address the deep integration of communication and sensing in 6G networks, this paper proposes a novel service-based architecture natively supporting Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). Methodologically, it introduces native sensing Network Functions (NFs) and an independent sensing protocol plane—the first such definitions in 6G systems—extends both control and sensing protocol stacks, and designs a cross-domain collaborative ISAC service framework. The framework is validated through integration and signaling adaptation for the MultiX representative use case. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in joint sensing-communication performance, enabling low-latency, scalable applications such as environmental modeling and high-accuracy localization. This work provides a key technical pathway and implementation paradigm for standardization bodies including 3GPP.
Technology Category
Application Category
📝 Abstract
ISAC is emerging as a foundational capability in 6G, enabling mobile networks to not only offer communication services but also to sense and perceive their environment at scale. This paper explores architectural considerations to enable sensing in 6G, extending on recent developments by (pre-)standardisation bodies such as 3GPP and ETSI. Selected ISAC use cases are presented from the European MultiX project including associated potential functional system requirements. The paper proposes a 6G system architecture that integrates newly proposed NFs for the purpose of sensing and demonstrates how they are being used in offering sensing as a service. Protocol stack adaptations for both control and a newly proposed sensing plane are discussed.
Problem
Research questions and friction points this paper is trying to address.
Integrating sensing capabilities into 6G network architecture
Extending 3GPP/ETSI standards for ISAC functional requirements
Designing protocol stack adaptations for control and sensing planes
Innovation
Methods, ideas, or system contributions that make the work stand out.
Integrates new network functions for sensing
Proposes sensing plane in protocol stack
Enables sensing as a service capability
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2024-10-01arXiv.orgCitations: 3
