6G-DISAC: Advancing Distributed Intelligent Sensing and Communications for 6G

The evolution towards 6G is set to transform wireless communications by integrating sensing capabilities directly into the network infrastructure. The 6G-DISAC project, which stands for Distributed Intelligent Sensing and Communications, is leading this change by developing a network that not only communicates but also senses its environment.

A New Approach: ISAC in 6G

Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) represents a major shift in wireless system design. Rather than solely transmitting data, future 6G networks will have the capacity to localise and track both active devices and passive objects. This dual functionality is expected to support a variety of advanced applications, from enhanced mobile experiences and robot-human interaction to improved vehicular safety and sensing-aided communication.

Building on 5G Innovations

The transition from 5G to 6G builds on established technological advances such as millimetre wave communications and massive MIMO. These innovations, which were initially introduced to overcome increased path loss and support higher data rates, are now being repurposed for high-resolution sensing. Wider bandwidths enhance distance resolution, higher carrier frequencies yield more interpretable channel characteristics, and larger antenna apertures offer greater angular resolution. These principles, long used in radar systems to generate detailed three-dimensional images and capture Doppler information, are now being adapted for 6G networks.

Distributed Architecture: A Holistic Perspective

The 6G-DISAC project adopts a distributed architecture that moves beyond localised or standalone sensing scenarios. By connecting numerous base stations and devices across a broad area, the network can achieve:

• Centimetre-level localisation accuracy, which will help with effective handovers and the prediction of potential obstructions.
• Multi-band operation, integrating frequencies from 3 GHz to 30 GHz, thus providing both high accuracy and extended coverage.
• Enhanced performance through a combination of monostatic, bistatic and multi-static sensing methods.

These elements work together to ensure that both communication and sensing functions operate seamlessly, providing the accuracy and reliability required for future wireless services.

Overcoming Technical Challenges

Realising the ISAC vision involves overcoming several key challenges. One significant hurdle is the need to manage and process vast amounts of data efficiently. Finding a balance between detailed raw sensing data and the need for timely data exchange is essential. Other challenges include:

• Developing robust algorithms for tracking numerous active and passive targets, whether static or mobile.
• Coordinating waveform optimisation and resource allocation among distributed transmitters.
• Integrating advanced multi-antenna technologies such as reconfigurable intelligent surfaces and distributed MIMO.
• Implementing a semantic framework to enable intelligent control of sensing functions and ensure efficient resource usage.

A Collaborative Vision for the Future

The 6G-DISAC project is an international collaboration among partners from various EU Member States. With a runtime from January 2024 to December 2026 and led by experts in the field, the project aims to bring the ISAC paradigm into practical deployment. The ambition is to create a network that is not only fast and reliable but also smart and context-aware, opening up new possibilities for a wide range of applications.

As the boundaries between sensing and communication become increasingly blurred, 6G-DISAC is paving the way for the next generation of wireless technology. 

At the recent 6G Series Workshop by Hexa-X-II in Feb 2025, DISAC did an overview presentation. The slides from the talk are available here and the video is embedded below: