6G networks will be able to use existing 5G infrastructure to detect the location and movement of objects

One of the new features that 6G networks will offer is the ability to leverage existing 5G communication infrastructure as sensors to accurately detect the location and movement of objects without the need for additional devices, a technology known as Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC).

The 3GPP association began working in December 2023 on the specifications of the next generation of mobile communication systems, 6G. This process will take several years until the implementation of the technology and must address the growing needs of future use cases.

In this context, according to LG-owned mobile operator LG U+, the evolution of communication networks goes beyond data transmission and moves toward becoming “intelligent platforms capable of autonomously sensing and understanding their environment.”

One of the innovations offered by these advances in communication networks will be Integrated Sensing and Communication technology, which is based on using existing 5G communication infrastructure as “massive” sensors to precisely detect the location and movement of objects without requiring anything else.

Called ISAC, this technology aims to become a useful tool for various sectors, such as autonomous driving, smart factories and even smart cities.

LG U+ has shared a white paper to analyze the application vision of this ISAC technology in preparation for the 6G era, highlighting how it will allow networks to recognize situations and “autonomously optimize communication quality.”

Specifically, ISAC technology will be able to use current 5G network infrastructure so that today’s towers and receivers will act as a matrix of sensors. This is because existing radars and 5G base station antennas share similarities.

As the company explained, this system will be able to recognize objects and even people by detecting small electromagnetic wave vibrations created by their movement, which also allows determining their location. “Communication networks go beyond simple data exchange, acting as sensors that see and perceive their surroundings,” the document notes.

The company also emphasizes that people and objects will not need to carry an additional sensor or receiving device to enable movement tracking. For example, detecting people crossing a crosswalk or obstacles on the road.

Additionally, LG U+ highlighted ISAC’s ability to enable “convergent services,” such as data digital twins. By identifying objects and movements, the technology will make it possible to develop tools that recreate situations using digital twins, with applications in sectors such as automated factories.

To advance these new technologies, LG U+ is participating in ISAC research as well as in 3GPP standardization work for 6G. Similarly, companies such as Huawei and Qualcomm have also been researching ISAC technology for 6G and have presented their progress in recent years.