[IEEE ComSoc-AESS-SPS Joint Workshop on ISAC] 2nd Prof. Stefano Buzzi

Talk Title: Scalability and implementation aspects of ISAC with cell-free distributed MIMO network deployments

Abstract: Cell-free distributed MIMO architectures are credited to be one of the main technological innovations of future 6G wireless networks. In an ISAC-enabled cell-free system, several small-size access-points, with limited hardware capabilities and a limited number of antennas, are strategically deployed to furnish seamless data connectivity and perceptive services. To this end, they are connected through fronthaul links to one or more central processing units.

In contrast to configurations featuring non-cooperating base stations boasting large-scale massive MIMO arrays, the adoption of cell-free distributed MIMO systems yields notable benefits in terms of energy efficiency, fairness of performance, and augmentation of macro-diversity. However, this paradigm shift also introduces challenges encompassing system complexity, scalability, association between access points and users and areas to be inspected, fronthaul load, design of sensing protocols, and orchestration of coordination/synchronization among the access points. This talk aims to offer an overview of recent advancements in the integration of sensing and communication within the domain of cell-free distributed MIMO deployments, highlighting the most significant results while concurrently shedding light on untapped and promising avenues for further research in this dynamic and evolving field.