Network Integrated Sensing and Communication

TL;DR

This paper explores the integration of sensing and communication in 6G networks, analyzing how to optimize network routing and sensing coverage to balance high data throughput with sensing accuracy.

Contribution

It introduces a novel optimization framework for network-level ISAC, providing analytical and geometric characterizations of the sensing-throughput trade-offs in various network topologies.

Findings

Complete sensing-throughput region characterized for 1D networks

Sensing-throughput Pareto boundary is piecewise linear in general networks

Trade-offs between sensing coverage and routing are quantified

Abstract

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is a cornerstone technology for 6G networks, offering unified support for high-rate communication and high-accuracy sensing. While existing literature extensively covers link-level designs, the transition toward large-scale deployment necessitates a fundamental understanding of network-level performance. This paper investigates a network ISAC model where a source node communicates with a destination via a relay network, while intermediate nodes concurrently perform cooperative sensing over specific spatial regions. We formulate a novel optimization framework that captures the interplay between multi-node routing and sensing coverage. For a one-dimensional path network, we provide an analytical characterization of the complete sensing-throughput region. Extending this to general network topologies, we establish that the sensing-throughput Pareto boundary is piecewise linear and provide physical interpretations for each segment. Our results reveal the fundamental trade-offs between sensing coverage and communication routing, offering key insights for the design of future 6G heterogeneous networks.