Project description
Integrated sensing and communication for 6G
Wireless networks are becoming increasingly widespread and crucial to operations and industries. They are also expected to play an even more critical role in the operation of future smart cities, providing them with enhanced sensing, communication, and processing services that can improve safety and sustainability. Unfortunately, 5G in its present state cannot support the requirements of a smart city, due to its inconsistent connectivity and sensing capabilities. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SCOPES project will fill the gap in data and research required to develop network protocols that enable integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) within cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output networks for 6G. The research will also advance sensing and communication technology.
Objective
Future wireless networks will be the cornerstone of smart cities, providing ubiquitous connectivity to countless devices capable of communicating, sensing, and processing vast amounts of environmental data. These capabilities will enhance urban life by improving safety and sustainability by monitoring energy use, natural hazards, and public health factors while coordinating traffic via precise localization and tracking.
While 5G faces challenges with inconsistent connectivity and limited sensing, 6G is poised to overcome these limitations through Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). Cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (CF-mMIMO) networks, which eliminate fixed cellular architecture, offer scalable orchestration of access points, significantly enhancing connectivity and sensing capabilities.
Yet, the research in network protocols enabling ISAC within CF-mMIMO networks is still in its early stages, requiring a sophisticated approach to harmonize physical layer signal processing with higher-layer access and resource management. SCOPES, leveraging the expertise of the University of Pisa in communication and Chalmers University of Technology in sensing, aims to fill this gap by designing sustainable cross-layer protocols. The project will focus on three key areas: investigating Medium Access Control functions to integrate sensing as a 6G feature; developing energy-efficient resource allocation for ISAC CF-mMIMO networks, and designing a cross-layer protocol to minimise energy consumption while meeting both sensing and communication performance requirements. The outcomes will be validated using open-source simulation tools, supporting future research and driving innovation in sustainable wireless technologies. SCOPES will position the researcher as a pioneer in protocol design and generate interest from the telecom industry for pre-standardisation activities and potential investment in cell-free architecture.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
56126 PISA
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.