# Integrated Sensing and Communications: Towards Dual-functional Wireless Networks for 6G and Beyond

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2108.07165 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2108.07165/

## Key facts

- Cited by 91 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 16 Aug 2021.

## Built on by (most cited first, 30 of 91)

- [DeepSense 6G: A Large-Scale Real-World Multi-Modal Sensing and Communication Dataset](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2211.09769/) (2022)
- [When Large Language Model Agents Meet 6G Networks: Perception, Grounding, and Alignment](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.07764/) (2024)
- [Task-Oriented Sensing, Computation, and Communication Integration for Multi-Device Edge AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2207.00969/) (2022)
- [Green Edge AI: A Contemporary Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.00333/) (2023)
- [Data and Model Poisoning Backdoor Attacks on Wireless Federated Learning, and the Defense Mechanisms: A Comprehensive Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.08667/) (2023)
- [An I2I Inpainting Approach for Efficient Channel Knowledge Map Construction](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2406.09822/) (2024)
- [A Survey on Integrated Sensing, Communication, and Computation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2408.08074/) (2024)
- [Vertical Federated Edge Learning with Distributed Integrated Sensing and Communication](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2201.08512/) (2022)
- [Will 6G be Semantic Communications? Opportunities and Challenges from Task Oriented and Secure Communications to Integrated Sensing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.01531/) (2024)
- [Deep learning for location based beamforming with NLOS channels](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2201.01386/) (2021)
- [Joint Sensing and Semantic Communications with Multi-Task Deep Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.05017/) (2023)
- [Integrated Sensing and Communications for Low-Altitude Economy: A Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.04074/) (2024)
- [RadioMamba: Breaking the Accuracy-Efficiency Trade-off in Radio Map Construction via a Hybrid Mamba-UNet](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.09140/) (2025)
- [Integrated Sensing, Communication, and Computation for Over-the-Air Federated Edge Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.15185/) (2025)
- [Joint Sensing and Task-Oriented Communications with Image and Wireless Data Modalities for Dynamic Spectrum Access](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.13931/) (2023)
- [CAVIAR: Co-simulation of 6G Communications, 3D Scenarios and AI for Digital Twins](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.03310/) (2024)
- [Deep-Learning Channel Estimation for IRS-Assisted Integrated Sensing and Communication System](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.09441/) (2024)
- [ViT LoS V2X: Vision Transformers for Environment-aware LoS Blockage Prediction for 6G Vehicular Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.15023/) (2024)
- [Communication Efficient Cooperative Edge AI via Event-Triggered Computation Offloading](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.02001/) (2025)
- [Cross-Domain Continual Learning for Edge Intelligence in Wireless ISAC Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.12736/) (2025)
- [Multimodal Mixture-of-Experts for ISAC in Low-Altitude Wireless Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.01750/) (2025)
- [Large Model Enabled Embodied Intelligence for 6G Integrated Perception, Communication, and Computation Network](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.15109/) (2025)
- [A Survey on AI for 6G: Challenges and Opportunities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.02370/) (2026)
- [Embodied AI in 6G Networks: From Intelligent Connectivity to Physical Intelligence](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2606.20592/) (2026)
- [Digital Twin-Based User-Centric Edge Continual Learning in Integrated Sensing and Communication](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.12223/) (2023)
- [Deep-Learning-Based Channel Estimation for IRS-Assisted ISAC System](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.09439/) (2024)
- [Extreme Learning Machine-based Channel Estimation in IRS-Assisted Multi-User ISAC System](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.09440/) (2024)
- [Meta-Learning Based Optimization for Large Scale Wireless Systems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.01823/) (2024)
- [Deep-Unrolling Multidimensional Harmonic Retrieval Algorithms on Neuromorphic Hardware](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.04008/) (2024)
- [AI-Powered CPS-Enabled Vulnerable-User-Aware Urban Transportation Digital Twin: Methods and Applications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.10396/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

As the standardization of 5G is being solidified, researchers are speculating what 6G will be. Integrating sensing functionality is emerging as a key feature of the 6G Radio Access Network (RAN), allowing to exploit the dense cell infrastructure of 5G for constructing a perceptive network. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview on the background, range of key applications and state-of-the-art approaches of Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC). We commence by discussing the interplay between sensing and communications (S&C) from a historical point of view, and then consider multiple facets of ISAC and its performance gains. By introducing both ongoing and potential use cases, we shed light on industrial progress and standardization activities related to ISAC. We analyze a number of performance tradeoffs between S&C, spanning from information theoretical limits, tradeoffs in physical layer performance, to the tradeoff in cross-layer designs. Next, we discuss signal processing aspects of ISAC, namely ISAC waveform design and receive signal processing. As a step further, we provide our vision on the deeper integration between S&C within the framework of perceptive networks, where the two functionalities are expected to mutually assist each other, i.e., communication-assisted sensing and sensing-assisted communications. Finally, we summarize the paper by identifying the potential integration between ISAC and other emerging communication technologies, and their positive impact on the future of wireless networks.