NGA noted that JCAS/ISAC is one of the key new features for future 6G systems.
ATIS’ Next G Alliance (NGA) has announced the publication of a new study on 6G communications channels and Joint Communications and Sensing (JCAS)/Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) channel models.
NGA noted in its announcement that JCAS/ISAC is one of the key new features for future 6G systems, as it also uses existing communications infrastructure for RF sensing, without requiring active transmissions from the detection target.
The group highlighted that JCAS/ISAC introduces new use cases, bringing “wide possibilities” for autonomous vehicles, healthcare, entertainment, smart industry, smart cities, and new applications of spectrum.Specific to joint communications and sensing modeling based on extensive measurements conducted by NGA members, the report includes multiple sensing target models and indoor background clutter models for monostatic sensing, NGA said.
“To advance these exciting use cases, updated channel models for the relevant spectrum bands being considered for future use will be critical,” said David Young, managing director of the Next G Alliance. “This comprehensive study has developed experimental data and analysis for 6G bands. These measurements and modeling are intended to provide a better empirical basis for 3GPP’s development of sensing and communications propagation channels as part of ongoing research in Rel-19, as this will be the foundation on which 6G will be built,” Young added.
“6G deployment in the new mid-band spectrum from 7-24 GHz and JCAS/ISAC across all bands are expected to play a key role in the 6G system,” said Amitava Ghosh, Nokia executive and chair of the NGA National Roadmap Working Group. “This Phase 1 report on the mid-band communications channel model and JCAS/ISAC channel model studies for FR2 represents a major achievement for the NGA member companies who contributed to this report. It will contribute to both communications and the JCAS/ISAC channel model in key standards bodies and forums worldwide, setting the direction for 6G research.”
In January, NGA published a white paper examining the transformative role future 6G technology is expected to play in enhancing integrated sensing and communications systems.
NGA said next-generation systems will enable distributed sensor and communication networks to conduct integrated data exchange and allow sensor systems to work together, providing critical analytics to networks and allowing configurations to be upgraded to improve performance, NGA said, adding that these systems will also enable new user capabilities.
The Next G Alliance is an initiative launched by the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) that aims to advance North American wireless technology leadership over the next decade through private sector-led efforts, initially focusing on the as-yet-unstandardized 6G.
In May 2023, NGA announced the publication of a report called “6G Roadmap for Vertical Industries,” which focuses on the demand side of future 6G systems.
The report is based on NGA’s 2022 6G Roadmap report, which established North America’s vision for next-generation communications systems. The report explored how 6G technology will help meet the application needs of a wide range of industries, including agriculture, automotive, education, gaming and entertainment, e-health, industry, mining, public safety and smart cities.
