Problem
Research questions and friction points this paper is trying to address.
Integrated Sensing and Communication
6G
3GPP Standardization
Unresolved Issues
ISAC in 3GPP: Evolution Toward 6G
🤖 AI Summary
This study addresses the ambiguous standardization pathway and technical challenges facing 6G Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) by systematically reviewing 3GPP Release 19–20 evolution, encompassing requirements, channel models, and protocol architectures. By pioneering the alignment of service requirements with physical layer and protocol design, and integrating RAN1/2/3 investigations with sensing-assisted communication analysis, this work establishes a standard-oriented 6G ISAC technical framework. The research identifies critical unresolved issues in current standardization efforts and proposes a feasible evolutionary roadmap. Ultimately, these findings provide essential theoretical underpinnings and practical guidance for advancing 6G ISAC standardization, bridging the gap between high-level service demands and concrete technical specifications within the evolving 3GPP landscape.
📝 Abstract
Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is emerging as an important direction in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) evolution toward 6G because it allows cellular networks to provide environmental awareness in addition to connectivity. This paper surveys the current 3GPP trajectory from Release~19 feasibility studies to Release~20 radio, protocol, and architecture studies, while distinguishing established requirements, ongoing study assumptions, and possible forward directions. The survey covers service requirements, sensing topologies, channel model evolution beyond 3GPP Technical Report (TR)~38.901, Radio Access Network Working Group~1 (RAN1) physical layer design, Radio Access Network Working Groups~2 and~3 (RAN2 and RAN3) system implications, and the role of sensing-assisted communication. It also synthesizes the main unresolved issues in waveform and reference signal design, multi-node coordination, sensing data reporting, service exposure, privacy, and implementation constraints. By connecting service-level motivations to physical layer, protocol, and architecture implications, the paper provides a standards-centric reading of how 3GPP may evolve toward practical 6G ISAC support.
Innovation
Methods, ideas, or system contributions that make the work stand out.
Integrated Sensing and Communication
3GPP Standardization
6G Evolution
Sensing-Assisted Communication
Channel Model Extension
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