Project description
Sustainable framework for cell-free ISAC deployment of 6G networks
Future 6G networks will require integrating communication, sensing, and computation for applications such as autonomous mobility and smart cities. Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) is crucial, but current studies mainly focus on sub-6 GHz or mmWave networks, lacking insights into efficient large-scale deployment. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ECO-ISAC project will develop a cost- and energy-efficient framework for cell-free massive MIMO (CF-mMIMO)-based ISAC. It will unify analytical modelling for sub-6 GHz and mmWave networks, develop reliable ISAC signal designs, and create algorithms for multi-target localisation. A prototype using software-defined radio (SDR) is expected to demonstrate practical implementation, thereby supporting the deployment of CF-ISAC in future 6G networks.
Objective
Future sixth-generation (6G) networks will demand the seamless integration of communication, sensing, and computation to support emerging applications such as autonomous mobility, digital twins, healthcare for aging populations, and smart cities. Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) has been identified by the ITU-R in its IMT-2030 vision as a key enabler of 6G. However, most existing ISAC studies are limited to either sub-6 GHz or mmWave-only networks and offer limited insight into cost- and energy-efficient large-scale deployment of ISAC systems. This project, ECO-ISAC, aims to develop a cost- and energy-efficient framework for cell-free massive MIMO (CF-mMIMO)-based ISAC, explicitly incorporating practical constraints while enabling multi-user communication and multi-target localization. The proposed approach will unify analytical modeling across sub-6 GHz and mmWave heterogeneous networks, providing insights into practical system designs such as resource allocation, frequency selection, and power control. In parallel, dedicated ISAC signal designs will be developed to guarantee both communication reliability and sensing accuracy. Novel algorithms will be developed for multi-target localization under realistic CF constraints and benchmarked against state-of-the-art methods. A distinctive feature of ECO-ISAC is its focus on physical implementation. A CF-ISAC prototype will be developed on a software-defined radio (SDR) platform, enabling cost-effective and flexible hardware realization. The expected outcomes include: (i) a unified analytical framework for CF-ISAC in sub-6 GHz and mmWave HetNets; (ii) efficient algorithms for multi-target localization and multi-user communication under practical constraints; and (iii) an SDR-based prototype demonstrating feasibility and scalability. Collectively, these results will provide both theoretical foundations and experimental validation for the cost- and energy-efficient deployment of CF-ISAC in future 6G networks.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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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)
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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)
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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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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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581 83 Linkoping
Sweden
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