A comprehensive review on ISAC for 6G: Enabling technologies, security, and AI/ML perspectives

Abstract

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) has received significant attention over the past five years as a key component of the 6G vision for next-generation communication systems. Starting with the fundamentals of ISAC, we present strategies focused on sensing-centric and communication-centric ISAC systems that satisfy both radar and communication objectives using the same physical hardware and waveform. The communication-centric ISAC focuses primarily on improving communication performance beyond 5G/6G cellular networks and Wi-Fi standards, while also performing additional processing required for detection. On the other hand, the sensing-centric ISAC prioritizes sensing and detection capabilities while incorporating communication functions in the most efficient way possible. In this survey, we present a comprehensive review of both ISAC systems along with new approaches for enabling technologies and highlight unique challenges and existing solutions that are already available. We explore the roles of innovative functions in enabling ISAC, including joint waveform design, edge computing, vehicular sensing and communications, and their practical applications. We then discuss 3GPP standardization efforts related to ISAC as a future direction for the 6G vision. We also outline possible future research directions, with a specific emphasis on security, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.