In the evolving landscape of telecommunications, Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) is emerging as a cornerstone technology that aims to transform how networks operate and serve mobile users. As part of the upcoming 6G era and IMT-2030 vision, ISAC holds immense potential to revolutionize cellular network capabilities. It combines communication functions with precise sensing, positioning, and tracking.

Like the scientific pioneers who first studied ISAC in the 1960s, modern telcos envision improved efficiency, lower latency, and new use cases with the technology. Although its concept has been floating around the brightest minds in the telecoms industry for decades, ISAC has failed to live up to its potential due to technical limitations. After years of significant technological strides, converting a cellular network into an ISAC system is closer to becoming a reality.

Despite the growing consensus around ISAC's significance, it is an extremely complex technology. Questions remain about how it will be implemented, what technologies it will leverage, and which frequency bands will be most viable. ABI Research Senior Research Director Dimitris Mavrakis sets out to answer these questions.

The Push Toward ISAC Standardization

Efforts to formalize ISAC standards are fully underway, driven by leading standards bodies such as The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). These organizations aim to consolidate research, develop clear guidelines, and ensure global alignment on ISAC technology. For instance, 3GPP has begun discussions on ISAC through its feasibility studies, with preliminary use cases outlined in TR 22.837. With these efforts, 3GPP can create more comprehensive standards in Release 19 by late 2025 and Release 20 by mid-2027.

Likewise, ETSI has formed an Industry Specifications Group (ISG) that includes working groups dedicated to 6G use case development, channel modeling, system architecture, sustainability, and addressing security concerns. The ISG’s objective is to streamline industry-wide Research and Development (R&D) for integrated sensing and communications. The group’s first deliverable is expected in late 2024 and will detail ISAC’s primary applications. In turn, this ISG will pave the way for formal specifications in the near future.

Core Technologies for ISAC Integration

The road to ISAC’s full integration into telecommunications infrastructure requires several advanced technologies. Many of these components already exist within current cellular frameworks, but adaptations are necessary for them to meet ISAC-specific needs.

• Channel Modeling and Complex Signal Management: For ISAC, the nature of the communication channel changes significantly due to the unidirectional sensing requirement. Unlike traditional cellular communications involving bidirectional data flows, ISAC requires the base station to detect reflections from sensed objects. This creates new challenges for channel modeling. To address this issue, ETSI has established a working group focused on creating robust models to support high-fidelity sensing and communication.
• Massive Multiple Input, Multiple Output (mMIMO): Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna arrays are a foundational element for 5G and will continue to play a vital role in 6G ISAC systems. With mMIMO, antennas can direct signal beams toward specific objects, allowing for radar-like sensing capabilities within cellular networks. However, adapting existing mMIMO units to perform sensing tasks will require significant development to make this process efficient, standardized, and reliable.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Advanced AI/ML algorithms are essential for ISAC, as they will manage interference, allocate resources dynamically, and process complex data from sensing channels. These algorithms can proactively assign network resources between communication and sensing tasks, allowing the network to adapt in real time based on traffic, environmental factors, and user requirements.
• Innovative Waveform Design: Current cellular waveforms, including Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), are optimized for communication. However, they are not adept at sensing, which ISAC requires. This will possibly necessitate new waveform designs.

How ISAC Differs from JSAC

Another technological concept introduced the idea of incorporating sensing into a communication environment, known as Joint Communications and Sensing (JSAC). While there isn’t a strict definition distinguishing JSAC from ISAC, the industry generally agrees on their differences:

• JSAC systems utilize the same waveform for both sensing and communication.
• ISAC systems employ a single system for sensing and communication.

In this context, ISAC can be viewed as a specific subset of JSAC, with the long-term goal of operating using a unified waveform. Despite this, the industry has widely embraced the term ISAC.

Spectrum Challenges for ISAC

Deciding which frequency bands ISAC should operate in is complex, as spectrum is a valuable and finite resource. While lower frequencies (e.g., 3.5 Gigahertz (GHz), known as the C-band) are ideal for widespread 5G applications, they are unlikely candidates for ISAC due to congestion concerns. Instead, higher frequency bands in the FR2 (26.5 – 71 GHz) or FR3 (7.125 – 24.25 GHz) ranges may provide suitable solutions. They offer the bandwidth needed for precise sensing, while minimizing interference with existing services.

Table 1: Pros and Cons of ISAC in Different Spectral Bands

(Source: ABI Research)

Real-World Applications of ISAC

ISAC can potentially revolutionize both consumer and enterprise markets by enabling new use cases that traditional networks cannot support. While earlier cellular technologies focused on improving network efficiency, ISAC enables innovative functionality that can transform sectors such as health, public safety, and autonomous systems.

Intruder Detection

One intriguing use case involves using 6G Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) to detect intruders within a home. Using ISAC technology, multiple small cells could detect movement and environmental changes, alerting homeowners or security personnel. This capability, similar to advanced home security systems, opens up new monetization opportunities for telco operators to offer security-focused services.

Health Monitoring

In-home health monitoring is another promising application. ISAC could enable non-invasive tracking of vital signs, such as breathing and heart rate, for elderly or at-risk individuals. Unlike wearable devices, ISAC-powered small cells would allow for continuous, unobtrusive monitoring across an entire home. Although Wi-Fi-based systems exist, a carrier-grade solution from mobile operators could provide a more robust, scalable alternative for health monitoring.

Public Safety/Search and Rescue

In public safety, ISAC could enable real-time search and rescue capabilities. ISAC-equipped base stations could locate individuals during natural disasters or criminal incidents, assisting first responders in search and rescue efforts. First responders can gain a comprehensive view of their surroundings by combining ISAC with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies.

Additional Use Cases

Other ISAC use cases under consideration include:

• Gesture Recognition: ISAC technology could detect and interpret gestures, enabling hands-free control of devices in smart homes or industrial settings.
• Collision Avoidance for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): By sensing other objects in the vicinity, ISAC could help prevent UAV collisions, enhancing the safety of drone operations.
• Tourist Foot Traffic Management: By monitoring visitor flow in popular areas, ISAC could help cities and organizations manage crowds. Resultingly, tourist attraction operators could enhance visitor experiences and ensure safety.

The Path Forward for ISAC

By merging sensing and communication, ISAC expands cellular network capabilities far beyond their traditional roles. From healthcare to public safety, ISAC will create new value for consumers and industries alike. It will also empower mobile operators to generate new revenue streams by supporting previously untapped applications.

However, the journey to fully integrated systems will be gradual. Indeed, ABI Research does not expect widespread commercialization of ISAC until beyond the 2030 goal, when $/Hertz (Hz) rivals consumer mobile broadband revenue. Until the industry reaches this point, standardization, R&D, and workshops like the European Union’s (EU) HEXA-X will be paramount.

For a comprehensive look into ISAC’s evolving role and how telco operators can maximize its potential, download our PDF whitepaper, Optimizing Network Performance with Sustainable Passive Antennas.

About the Author

  Dimitris Mavrakis, Senior Research Director

Dimitris Mavrakis, Senior Research Director, manages ABI Research’s telco network and cloud computing coverage, including hybrid cloud platforms, digital transformation, and mobile network infrastructure. Research topics include AI and machine learning in telco networks, hybrid cloud deployments and technologies, telco software and applications, 5G, 6G, cloud-native networks, and both telco and cloud ecosystems