Stochastic Geometry for Modeling and Analysis of Sensing and Communications: A Survey

2025-03-12

AI Summary

This paper addresses the lack of a unified stochastic geometry framework for performance evaluation of Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) systems. We propose the first comprehensive stochastic geometry framework that jointly models three ISAC integration levels: sensing-aided communication, communication-aided sensing, and fully joint sensing-and-communication. By integrating spatial point processes—including Poisson point processes, Matérn hard-core processes, and Poisson cluster processes—alongside ISAC signal models and unified performance metrics (e.g., Cramér–Rao bound, achievable rate, detection probability), we rigorously characterize the spatial randomness of nodes and scatterers/occluders in terrestrial, aerial, and vehicular networks. A systematic review of over 100 studies reveals fundamental mechanisms by which spatial randomness governs the communication–sensing trade-off. We further identify key limitations of existing models in modeling dynamics, scalability, and cross-layer joint optimization, and outline concrete directions for future research.

Technology Category

• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems
• Reasoning under Uncertainty: Stochastic Optimization
• Knowledge Representation and Reasoning: Geometric, Spatial, and Temporal Reasoning

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web performance, measurement, and characterization
• Graph Algorithms and Modeling for the Web: Algorithms and analysis for incomplete, noisy, or partially observed Web-related graphs
• Semantics and Knowledge: Methods to enhance, augment, integrate or synergize semantic models such as knowledge graphs and LLMs

Abstract

One of the most promising technologies for next-generation wireless networks is integrated communication and sensing (ISAC). It is considered a key enabler for applications that require both enhanced communication and accurate sensing capabilities. Examples of such applications include smart environments, augmented and virtual reality, or the internet of things, where the capabilities of intelligent sensing and broadband communications are vital. Therefore, ISAC has attracted the research interest of both academia and industry, and many investigations have been carried out over the past decade. The articles in the literature include system models, performance evaluation, and optimization studies of several ISAC alternative designs. Stochastic geometry is the study and analysis of random spatial patterns, and as such, stochastic geometry tools have been considered for the performance evaluation of wireless networks with different types of nodes. In this paper, we aim to provide a comprehensive survey of current research progress in performance evaluation of ISAC systems using stochastic geometry tools. The survey covers terrestrial, aerial, and vehicular networks, where the random spatial location of the corresponding network elements and propagation scatterers and/or blockages is treated with various point processes. The paper starts with a short tutorial on ISAC technology, stochastic geometry tools, and metrics used in performance evaluation of communication and sensing. Then, the technical components of the system models utilized in the surveyed papers are discussed. Subsequently, we present the key results of the literature in all types of networks using three levels of integration: sensing-assisted communication, communication-assisted sensing, and joint sensing and communication. Finally, future research challenges and promising directions are discussed.

Problem

• Surveying ISAC system performance using stochastic geometry tools.
• Analyzing terrestrial, aerial, and vehicular networks with random spatial patterns.
• Exploring integration levels: sensing-assisted and communication-assisted systems.

Innovation

• Stochastic geometry for ISAC performance evaluation
• Integration of sensing and communication technologies
• Survey of terrestrial, aerial, vehicular networks