Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) design is crucial for 6G and harmonizes environmental data sensing with communication, emphasizing the need to understand and model these elements. This paper delves into dual-channel models for ISAC, employing channel extraction techniques to validate and enhance accuracy. Focusing on millimeter wave (mmWave) radars, it explores the extraction of the bistatic sensing channel from monostatic measurements and subsequent communication channel estimation. The proposed methods involve interference extraction, module and phase correlation analyses, chirp clustering, and auto-clutter reduction. A comprehensive set-up in an anechoic chamber with controlled scenarios evaluates the proposed techniques, demonstrating successful channel extraction and validation through Root Mean Square Delay Spread (RMS DS), Power Delay Profile (PDP), and Angle of Arrival (AoA) analysis. Comparison with Ray-Tracing (RT) simulations confirms the effectiveness of the proposed approach, presenting an innovative stride towards fully integrated sensing and communication in future networks.
We propose a novel secure integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) system designed to serve multiple communication users (CUs) and targets. To that end, we formulate an optimization problem that maximizes the secrecy rate under constraints balancing both communication and sensing requirements. To enhance fairness among users, an entropy-regularized fairness metric is introduced within the problem framework. We then propose a solution employing an accelerated quadratic transform (QT) with a non-homogeneous bound to iteratively solve two subproblems, thereby effectively optimizing the overall objective. This approach ensures robust security and fairness in resource allocation for ISAC systems. Finally, simulation results verify the performance gains in terms of average secrecy rate, average data rate, and beam gain.
Achieving efficient and cost-effective transmit beampattern control for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems is a significant challenge. This paper addresses this by proposing a dual-function radar communication (DFRC) transmitter based on a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) illuminated by a limited number of active sources. We formulate and solve the joint design of source waveforms and RIS phase shifts to match a desired space-frequency radiation pattern, and we evaluate the resulting ISAC system's performance in terms of radar detection probability and data transmission rate. Numerical results demonstrate the promising capabilities of this RIS-enabled transmitter for ISAC applications.
In recent years, security has emerged as a critical aspect of integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems. While significant research has focused on secure communications, particularly in ensuring physical layer security, the issue of sensing security has received comparatively less attention. This paper addresses the sensing security problem in ISAC, particularly under the threat of multi-intercept adversaries. We consider a realistic scenario in which the sensing target is an advanced electronic reconnaissance aircraft capable of employing multiple signal interception techniques, such as power detection (PD) and cyclostationary analysis (CA). To evaluate sensing security under such sophisticated threats, we analyze two critical features of the transmitted signal: (i) power distribution and (ii) cyclic spectrum. Further, we introduce a novel ergodic cyclic spectrum metric which leverages the intrinsic mathematical structure of cyclostationary signals to more comprehensively characterize their behavior. Building on this analysis, we formulate a new ISAC design problem that explicitly considers sensing security, and we develop a low-complexity, efficient optimization approach to solve it. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed metric is both effective and insightful, and that our ISAC design significantly enhances sensing security performance in the presence of multi-intercept threats.
This paper explores high-altitude platform station (HAPS) systems enabled by integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), in which a HAPS simultaneously transmits communication signals and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging signals to support multi-user communication while performing ground target sensing. Taking into account the operational characteristics of SAR imaging, we consider two HAPS deployment strategies: (i) a quasi-stationary HAPS that remains fixed at an optimized location during SAR operation, following the stop-and-go scanning model; and (ii) a dynamic HAPS that continuously adjusts its flight trajectory along a circular path. For each strategy, we aim at maximizing the weighted sum-rate throughput for communication users while ensuring that SAR imaging requirements, such as beampattern gain and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), are satisfied. This is achieved by jointly optimizing the HAPS deployment strategy, i.e., its placement or trajectory, along with three-dimensional (3D) transmit beamforming, under practical constraints including transmit power limits, energy consumption, and flight dynamics. Nevertheless, the formulated optimization problems corresponding to the two deployment strategies are inherently non-convex. To address the issue, we propose efficient algorithms that leverage both convex and non-convex optimization techniques to obtain high-quality suboptimal solutions. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed approaches over benchmark schemes.
This paper addresses the estimation of fractional delay and Doppler shifts in multipath channels that cause doubly selective fading-an essential task for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems in high-mobility environments. Orthogonal Time Frequency Space (OTFS) modulation enables simple and robust channel compensation under such conditions. However, fractional delay and Doppler components introduce inter-path interference, degrading estimation accuracy. We propose a two-stage estimation method based on Prony's technique using OTFS pilot signals with M subchannels and N pilot repetitions. In the first stage, Doppler frequencies are estimated by jointly solving M coupled Prony equations, exploiting the periodicity of the pilot signal. In the second stage, delays are estimated by applying the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and Prony's method to each Doppler component obtained in the first stage. The proposed method can accurately estimate up to N-1 delay-Doppler parameters under noiseless conditions. In noisy environments, conventional information criteria such as AIC and BIC yield suboptimal performance; thus, a heuristic model order selection is adopted. Numerical simulations confirm that the proposed method achieves high estimation accuracy, highlighting its potential for future ISAC frameworks.
We propose a low-complexity receiver structure for the recently introduced Affine Filter Bank Modulation (AFBM) scheme, which is a novel waveform designed for integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) systems operating in doubly-dispersive (DD) channels. The proposed receiver structure is based on the Gaussian Belief Propagation (GaBP) framework, making use of only element-wise scalar operations to perform detection of the transmitted symbols. Simulation results demonstrate that AFBM in conjunction with GaBP outperforms affine frequency division multiplexing (AFDM) in terms of bit error rates (BERs) in DD channels, while achieving very low out-of-band emissions (OOBE) in high-mobility scenarios.
Mars exploration missions increasingly demand reliable communication systems, yet harsh environmental conditions -- particularly frequent dust storms, extreme Doppler effects, and stringent resource constraints -- pose unprecedented challenges to conventional communication approaches. This paper presents the Martian Adaptive Sensing and Communication (MASC) system specifically designed for the Martian environment. MASC establishes a physically interpretable channel model and develops three key components: environment-aware hybrid precoding, adaptive parameter mapping, and robust communication precoding. Simulation results demonstrate that MASC maintains 45 percent sensing coverage under severe dust conditions compared to only 5 percent with conventional methods, provides up to 2.5 dB signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) improvement at 50 percent channel state information (CSI) uncertainty, and yields 80 percent higher capacity in moderate dust storms. Using an epsilon-constraint multi-objective optimization approach, we enable mission planners to select operational modes ranging from communication-priority (0.33 bps/Hz capacity, 28 percent sensing coverage) to sensing-priority (90 percent coverage with minimal capacity), offering a versatile framework that balances environmental awareness with hyper-reliable data transmission. This work provides a validated blueprint for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) in non-terrestrial networks (NTN), a key enabler for achieving ubiquitous connectivity in the 6G era.
Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is a headline feature for the forthcoming IMT-2030 and 6G releases, yet a concrete solution that fits within the established orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) family remains open. Specifically, Doppler-induced inter-carrier interference (ICI) destroys sub-carrier orthogonality of OFDM sensing signals, blurring range-velocity maps and severely degrading sensing accuracy. Building on multi-user multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) OFDM systems, this paper proposes Doppler-Correction Filter Network (DCFNet), an AI-native ISAC model that delivers fine range-velocity resolution at minimal complexity without altering the legacy frame structure. A bank of DCFs first shifts dominant ICI energy away from critical Doppler bins; a compact deep learning network then suppresses the ICI. To further enhance the range and velocity resolutions, we propose DCFNet with local refinement (DCFNet-LR), which applies a generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) to refine target estimates of DCFNet to sub-cell accuracy. Simulation results show that DCFNet-LR runs $143\times$ faster than maximum likelihood search and achieves significantly superior performance, reducing the range RMSE by up to $2.7 \times 10^{-4}$ times and the velocity RMSE by $6.7 \times 10^{-4}$ times compared to conventional detection methods.
It is envisioned that 6G networks will be supported by key architectural principles, including intelligence, decentralization, interoperability, and digitalization. With the advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), embedding intelligence into the foundation of wireless communication systems is recognized as essential for 6G and beyond. Existing radio access network (RAN) architectures struggle to meet the ever growing demands for flexibility, automation, and adaptability required to build self-evolving and autonomous wireless networks. In this context, this paper explores the transition towards AI-driven RAN (AI-RAN) by developing a novel AI-RAN framework whose performance is evaluated through a practical scenario focused on intelligent orchestration and resource optimization. Besides, the paper reviews the evolution of RAN architectures and sheds light on key enablers of AI-RAN including digital twins (DTs), intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs), large generative AI (GenAI) models, and blockchain (BC). Furthermore, it discusses the deployment challenges of AI-RAN, including technical and regulatory perspectives, and outlines future research directions incorporating technologies such as integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) and agentic AI.
Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) has emerged as a key feature for sixth-generation (6G) networks, providing an opportunity to meet the dual demands of communication and sensing. Existing ISAC research primarily focuses on baseband optimization at individual access points, with limited attention to the roles of electromagnetic (EM) shaping and network-wide coordination. The intricate interdependencies between these domains remain insufficiently explored, leaving their full potential for enhancing ISAC performance largely untapped. To bridge this gap, we consider multi-domain ISAC optimization integrating EM shaping, baseband processing, and network cooperation strategies that facilitate efficient resource management and system-level design. We analyze the fundamental trade-offs between these domains and offer insights into domain-specific and cross-domain strategies contributing to ISAC performance and efficiency. We then conduct a case study demonstrating the effectiveness of joint multi-domain optimization. Finally, we discuss key challenges and future research directions to connect theoretical advancements and practical ISAC deployments. This work paves the way for intelligent and scalable ISAC architectures, providing critical insights for their seamless integration into next-generation wireless networks.
Integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) is one of the key enabling technologies in future sixth-generation (6G) networks. Current ISAC systems predominantly rely on deterministic pilot signals within the signal frame to accomplish sensing tasks. However, these pilot signals typically occupy only a small portion, e.g., 0.15% to 25%, of the time-frequency resources. To enhance the system utility, a promising solution is to repurpose the extensive random data payload signals for sensing tasks. In this paper, we analyze the ISAC performance of a multi-antenna system where both deterministic pilot and random data symbols are employed for sensing tasks. By capitalizing on random matrix theory (RMT), we first derive a semi-closed-form asymptotic expression of the ergodic linear minimum mean square error (ELMMSE). Then, we formulate an ISAC precoding optimization problem to minimize the ELMMSE, which is solved via a specifically tailored successive convex approximation (SAC) algorithm. To provide system insights, we further derive a closed-form expression for the asymptotic ELMMSE at high signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Our analysis reveals that, compared with conventional sensing implemented by deterministic signals, the sensing performance degradation induced by random signals is critically determined by the ratio of the transmit antenna size to the data symbol length. Based on this result, the ISAC precoding optimization problem at high SNRs is transformed into a convex optimization problem that can be efficiently solved. Simulation results validate the accuracy of the derived asymptotic expressions of ELMMSE and the performance of the proposed precoding schemes. Particularly, by leveraging data payload signals for sensing tasks, the sensing error is reduced by up to 5.6 dB compared to conventional pilot-based sensing.
The doubly-dispersive (DD) channel structure has played a pivotal role in wireless communications, particularly in high-mobility scenarios and integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), due to its ability to capture the key fading effects experienced by a transmitted signal as it propagates through a dynamic medium. However, extending the DD framework to multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, especially in environments artificially enhanced by reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) and stacked intelligent metasurfaces (SIM), remains a challenging open problem. In this chapter, a novel metasurfaces-parametrized DD (MPDD) channel model that integrates an arbitrary number of RISs, while also incorporating SIM at both the transmitter and receiver is introduced. Next, the application of this model to some key waveforms optimized for DD environments -- namely orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS), and affine frequency division multiplexing (AFDM) -- is discussed. Finally, the programmability of the proposed model is highlighted through an illustrative application, demonstrating its potential for enhancing waveform performance in SIM-assisted wireless systems.
Fusion of passive and active measurements from sensor nodes becomes critical in localizing underwater objects and is traditionally achieved by communicating information to a central node. This causes significant inefficiencies in bandwidth, energy, and processing time, which are critical in marine applications. With integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems, the process of sensing, localization, and communication can be achieved jointly, and the inefficiencies can be minimized. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to analyse the efficacy of such communication signals in localizing a moving target in given underwater conditions. The Cram\'er-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) is a performance metric used to determine the theoretical lower bound on localization errors. Simulation results illustrate the contours of localization error across various scenarios, offering valuable insights into system performance under different target dynamics and sea state conditions, showcasing their potential for efficient and reliable underwater localization applications.
In this article, we introduce a novel low-altitude wireless network (LAWN), which is a reconfigurable, three-dimensional (3D) layered architecture. In particular, the LAWN integrates connectivity, sensing, control, and computing across aerial and terrestrial nodes that enable seamless operation in complex, dynamic, and mission-critical environments. Different from the conventional aerial communication systems, LAWN's distinctive feature is its tight integration of functional planes in which multiple functionalities continually reshape themselves to operate safely and efficiently in the low-altitude sky. With the LAWN, we discuss several enabling technologies, such as integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), semantic communication, and fully-actuated control systems. Finally, we identify potential applications and key cross-layer challenges. This article offers a comprehensive roadmap for future research and development in the low-altitude airspace.
To empower the low-altitude economy with high-accuracy sensing and high-rate communication, this paper proposes a cooperative integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) framework for aerial-ground networks. In the proposed system, the ground base stations (BSs) cooperatively serve the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are equipped for either joint communication and sensing or sensing-only operations. The BSs employ coordinated beamforming to simultaneously transmit communication and sensing signals, while the UAVs execute their missions. To maximize the weighted sum rate under the sensing signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) constraints, we jointly optimize the transmit beamforming, receive filtering, and UAV trajectory. The resulting non-convex problem is solved using an alternating optimization framework incorporating semidefinite relaxation (SDR) and successive convex approximation (SCA). Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed joint design achieves higher communication throughput while ensuring required sensing robustness. Additionally, the sensing SINR threshold and the UAV altitude have a significant impact on the trajectory design, highlighting the necessity of adaptive deployment strategies in practical applications.
The burgeoning low-altitude economy (LAE) necessitates integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems capable of high-accuracy multi-target localization and velocity estimation under hardware and coverage constraints inherent in conventional ISAC architectures. This paper addresses these challenges by proposing a cooperative bistatic ISAC framework within MIMO-OFDM cellular networks, enabling robust sensing services for LAE applications through standardized 5G New Radio (NR) infrastructure. We first develop a low-complexity parameter extraction algorithm employing CANDECOMP/PARAFAC (CP) tensor decomposition, which exploits the inherent Vandermonde structure in delay-related factor matrices to efficiently recover bistatic ranges, Doppler velocities, and angles-of-arrival (AoA) from multi-dimensional received signal tensors. To resolve data association ambiguity across distributed transmitter-receiver pairs and mitigate erroneous estimates, we further design a robust fusion scheme based on the minimum spanning tree (MST) method, enabling joint 3D position and velocity reconstruction. Comprehensive simulation results validate the framework's superiority in computational efficiency and sensing performance for low-altitude scenarios.
Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) networks strive to deliver both high-precision target localization and high-throughput data services across the entire coverage area. In this work, we examine the fundamental trade-off between sensing and communication from the perspective of base station (BS) deployment. Furthermore, we conceive a design that simultaneously maximizes the target localization coverage, while guaranteeing the desired communication performance. In contrast to existing schemes optimized for a single target, an effective network-level approach has to ensure consistent localization accuracy throughout the entire service area. While employing time-of-flight (ToF) based localization, we first analyze the deployment problem from a localization-performance coverage perspective, aiming for minimizing the area Cramer-Rao Lower Bound (A-CRLB) to ensure uniformly high positioning accuracy across the service area. We prove that for a fixed number of BSs, uniformly scaling the service area by a factor \kappa increases the optimal A-CRLB in proportion to \kappa^{2\beta}, where \beta is the BS-to-target pathloss exponent. Based on this, we derive an approximate scaling law that links the achievable A-CRLB across the area of interest to the dimensionality of the sensing area. We also show that cooperative BSs extends the coverage but yields marginal A-CRLB improvement as the dimensionality of the sensing area grows.
Beamforming enhances signal strength and quality by focusing energy in specific directions. This capability is particularly crucial in cell-free integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems, where multiple distributed access points (APs) collaborate to provide both communication and sensing services. In this work, we first derive the distribution of joint target detection probabilities across multiple receiving APs under false alarm rate constraints, and then formulate the beam selection procedure as a Markov decision process (MDP). We establish a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) framework, in which reward shaping and sinusoidal embedding are introduced to facilitate agent learning. To eliminate the high costs and associated risks of real-time agent-environment interactions, we further propose a novel digital twin (DT)-assisted offline DRL approach. Different from traditional online DRL, a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN)-based DT module, operating as a replica of the real world, is meticulously designed to generate virtual state-action transition pairs and enrich data diversity, enabling offline adjustment of the agent's policy. Additionally, we address the out-of-distribution issue by incorporating an extra penalty term into the loss function design. The convergency of agent-DT interaction and the upper bound of the Q-error function are theoretically derived. Numerical results demonstrate the remarkable performance of our proposed approach, which significantly reduces online interaction overhead while maintaining effective beam selection across diverse conditions including strict false alarm control, low signal-to-noise ratios, and high target velocities.
Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) within sub-THz frequencies is crucial for future air-ground networks, but unique propagation characteristics and hardware limitations present challenges in optimizing ISAC performance while increasing operational latency. This paper introduces a multi-modal sensing fusion framework inspired by synesthesia of machine (SoM) to enhance sub-THz ISAC transmission. By exploiting inherent degrees of freedom in sub-THz hardware and channels, the framework optimizes the radio-frequency environment. Squint-aware beam management is developed to improve air-ground network adaptability, enabling three-dimensional dynamic ISAC links. Leveraging multi-modal information, the framework enhances ISAC performance and reduces latency. Visual data rapidly localizes users and targets, while a customized multi-modal learning algorithm optimizes the hybrid precoder. A new metric provides comprehensive performance evaluation, and extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed scheme significantly improves ISAC efficiency.