Network Integrated Sensing and Communication

2026-01-15

AI Summary

This work addresses the joint optimization of multi-node cooperative routing and sensing coverage in integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) networks for 6G. It proposes a network-level ISAC model wherein a source node communicates with a destination through a relay network, while intermediate nodes collaboratively sense a target region. By integrating multi-node cooperative sensing, routing optimization, and Pareto boundary analysis, this study reveals—for the first time under general network topologies—the fundamental trade-off between sensing performance and communication throughput. The Pareto boundary is shown to exhibit a piecewise-linear structure, with each segment possessing a clear physical interpretation. Notably, in one-dimensional path networks, the achievable sensing-throughput region is fully characterized, offering a theoretical foundation for the design of heterogeneous 6G networks.

Technology Category

• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems
• Search and Optimization: Combinatorial Optimization
• Constraint Satisfaction and Optimization: Constraint Optimization

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web performance, measurement, and characterization
• Social Networks and Social Media: Social media analysis through the lenses of networks
• Graph Algorithms and Modeling for the Web: Algorithms and analysis for incomplete, noisy, or partially observed Web-related graphs

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.

Problem

• Integrated Sensing and Communication
• Network-level Performance
• Sensing-throughput Trade-off
• 6G Networks
• Cooperative Sensing

Innovation

• Integrated Sensing and Communication
• Network-level ISAC
• Sensing-throughput trade-off
• Pareto boundary
• Cooperative sensing