The 6G integrated sensing and computing network has three main characteristics.
In the 6G integrated sensing and computing network, each network element device achieves deep integration and mutual enhancement of multi-dimensional perception, collaborative communication, and intelligent computing functions through the coordination and sharing of sensing and computing software and hardware resources. This deep integration can lead to more efficient information processing, lower latency, and higher reliability, thus meeting the demands of various new types of services in the future. Specifically, the 6G integrated sensing and computing network has the following characteristics.
First is the “physical-digital” spatial perception.The 6G integrated sensing and computing network can perceive various information about the physical world, including location, speed, posture, and environment, and convert this information into digital signals for processing and transmission. This perception capability can be applied in fields such as autonomous driving, intelligent manufacturing, and smart cities.
Second is ubiquitous intelligent communication.The 6G integrated sensing and computing network possesses extensive connectivity capabilities, enabling intelligent communication between people, between people and things, and between things. This communication includes not only traditional voice and data communication but also new types of communication methods such as the Internet of Things and industrial Internet.
Third is computing capability.The 6G integrated sensing and computing network has powerful computing capabilities that can process and analyze massive amounts of data to achieve intelligent decision-making and optimization. This computing capability can be applied in fields such as big data analysis, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. To build a 6G integrated sensing and computing network, a series of technical challenges must be addressed, including integrated sensing and computing air interface technology, networked sensing technology, and intelligent computing network technology. The research and application of these technologies will promote the development of 6G networks and provide strong support for future digital transformation.
Main Research Directions of 6G Integrated Sensing and Computing Networks
The 6G integrated sensing and computing network is one of the important infrastructures for future digital transformation. It will achieve deep integration of communication, perception, and computing, promoting digital transformation and innovative development across various industries. Below, we analyze the key points of 6G integrated sensing and computing air interface technology, 6G networked sensing technology, 6G intelligent computing network technology, and network architecture design.
(1) 6G Integrated Sensing and Computing Air Interface Technology
The 6G integrated sensing and computing air interface technology refers to the air interface technology that achieves communication and sensing functions through integrated design in the 6G network. This technology integrates communication signals and sensing signals at the air interface level to achieve efficient transmission of information and precise perception. The 6G integrated sensing and computing air interface technology is one of the core technologies of the 6G network. Through integrated design, the collaborative optimization of communication and sensing will strongly promote digital transformation and innovative development across various industries.The main challenge of the 6G integrated sensing and computing air interface technology lies in how to solve the mutual interference problem between communication signals and sensing signals, as well as how to achieve collaborative optimization of communication and sensing under limited spectrum resources. To address these issues, joint optimal design needs to be conducted from aspects such as the physical layer, multiple access, and wireless resource management.
In terms of the physical layer,the integrated sensing and computing air interface technology needs to research new waveform designs, frame structures, beamforming, and other technologies to meet the requirements of integrated communication and sensing. These technologies need to comprehensively consider the performance requirements of communication and sensing, designing waveforms and frame structures that ensure communication quality while achieving precise perception. By equipping array antennas, the 6G integrated sensing and computing system can achieve broadband communication and receive sensing echo signals. Beamforming technology can enhance the directionality of signals transmitted and received by antennas, thereby improving the performance of communication and sensing.
In a multi-user environment,the 6G integrated sensing and computing air interface technology needs to research new multiple access methods to enable multiple users or devices to communicate and perceive simultaneously. This requires operators to consider how to reasonably allocate spectrum resources in a multi-user environment to avoid interference between users while ensuring the performance of communication and sensing. Wireless resource management technology needs to dynamically adjust wireless resources such as spectrum and power based on the real-time demands of communication and sensing to optimize system performance.
In terms of wireless resource management,the integrated sensing and computing air interface technology needs to research new wireless resource management technologies to achieve dynamic collaborative optimization of communication and sensing. This requires dynamically adjusting wireless resources such as spectrum and power based on the real-time demands of communication and sensing to optimize system performance. Since communication signals and sensing echo signals may face mutual interference issues during the reception process, new interference suppression and signal processing technologies need to be researched to ensure the stability of communication and sensing performance.
The 6G integrated sensing and computing air interface technology is currently still in the research and exploration stage and has not yet achieved commercial application. However, with the continuous research and advancement of 6G technology, significant progress has been made in integrated sensing and computing air interface technology. In terms of physical layer technology, researchers are exploring new waveform designs, frame structures, and beamforming technologies to meet the needs of integrated sensing and computing air interfaces. These technologies aim to achieve collaborative optimization of communication and sensing functions, improving spectral efficiency and hardware resource utilization.In terms of multiple access and wireless resource management,researchers are studying new access methods and resource management technologies to enable simultaneous communication and sensing for multiple users or devices, and dynamically adjust wireless resources such as spectrum and power to optimize system performance. Additionally, interference suppression and signal processing technologies are also important research directions for integrated sensing and computing air interface technology. Due to potential mutual interference issues between communication signals and sensing signals, effective interference suppression and signal processing algorithms need to be researched to ensure the stability of sensing and communication performance.
(2) 6G Networked Sensing Technology
6G networked sensing technology refers to network technology that enables precise perception and intelligent processing of the physical world. In the 6G era, with the rapid development of technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence, networked sensing technology will become one of the key technologies for realizing new applications such as the Internet of Everything, digital twins, and intelligent decision-making.6G networked sensing technology includesubiquitous sensing, precise sensing, and intelligent processing.
Ubiquitous sensing:6G networked sensing technology can achieve ubiquitous and continuous sensing capabilities, including perception of environments, objects, and people. This ubiquitous sensing capability can be applied in fields such as intelligent manufacturing, smart cities, and autonomous driving to achieve digitization and intelligence of the physical world.
Precise sensing:6G networked sensing technology can achieve high-precision sensing capabilities, including perception of various information such as location, speed, posture, and environment. This precise sensing capability can be applied in fields such as intelligent manufacturing, drones, and intelligent transportation to improve production efficiency and safety.
Intelligent processing:6G networked sensing technology can utilize artificial intelligence technologies to process and analyze sensing data, achieving intelligent decision-making and optimization. This intelligent processing capability can be applied in fields such as smart healthcare, smart finance, and smart education to improve service quality and efficiency.To realize 6G networked sensing technology, a series of technical challenges must be addressed, including sensor technology, data processing technology, and network security technology. At the same time, corresponding standards and specifications need to be established to ensure interoperability and interconnectivity between different devices and systems.
6G networked sensing technology is still in the research and exploration stage and has not yet achieved commercial application. However, with the rapid development of technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence, significant progress has already been made in the research of 6G networked sensing technology.In terms of sensor technology,various new types of sensors have emerged, such as optical sensors, acoustic sensors, and magnetic field sensors, which possess high precision and sensitivity, providing strong support for the development of 6G networked sensing technology.In terms of data processing technology,with the continuous development of artificial intelligence technologies, it is now possible to rapidly process and analyze massive sensing data to extract useful information, supporting intelligent decision-making and optimization.In terms of network technology,research is currently underway on how to achieve ubiquitous connectivity, low latency, and high reliability in network communication to meet the demands of 6G networked sensing technology.
However, 6G networked sensing technology still faces many challenges and issues, such as the coordination problems between sensors, the security and privacy protection of data processing, and the design and optimization of network architecture. Therefore, current research mainly focuses on laboratory and experimental network stages, and there is still some distance to commercial application.Overall, 6G networked sensing technology is one of the important directions for future digital transformation. Although it is still in the research and exploration stage, with continuous technological progress and in-depth research, it is believed that there will be more breakthroughs and applications in the future. 6G networked sensing technology is one of the key technologies for realizing new applications such as the Internet of Everything, digital twins, and intelligent decision-making, providing strong support for digital transformation and innovative development across various industries.
(3) 6G Intelligent Computing Network Technology
6G intelligent computing network technology is one of the important technological directions in the 6G era. Currently, research institutions and enterprises around the world are actively investing in the research and development of 6G intelligent computing network technology and have achieved some preliminary results, but there are many challenges and difficulties that need to be continuously researched and breakthroughs achieved. The challenges faced by 6G intelligent computing network technology mainly include the following aspects.
First is the unified management and scheduling of computing resources.6G intelligent computing network technology needs to unify the management and scheduling of a large number of idle computing resources, which requires solving how to efficiently and flexibly manage and schedule these resources. At the same time, it is necessary to address the issue of ensuring the security and privacy protection of computing resources.
Second is the collaborative optimization of computing, communication, and perception functions.In the 6G era, communication, computing, and perception will be interwoven and mutually promoted. Therefore, 6G intelligent computing network technology needs to solve the problem of how to achieve collaborative optimization with communication, perception, and other functions to optimize overall performance.
Third is network security and privacy protection.As 6G intelligent computing network technology develops, network security and privacy protection issues will become more prominent. New network security technologies and privacy protection solutions need to be researched to ensure the security of computing resources and prevent user privacy from being leaked.
Fourth is the efficient utilization of computing resources.In the 6G era, computing resources will become very abundant, but how to efficiently utilize these resources remains a challenge. New computing scheduling algorithms and resource allocation strategies need to be researched to achieve efficient utilization of computing resources and maximize benefits.
Fifth is technological research and commercial implementation.6G intelligent computing network technology is still in the research and exploration stage and requires a large amount of technological research and experimental validation. At the same time, consideration should also be given to how to commercialize this technology to achieve widespread application and industrial development.
6G intelligent computing network technology is proposed to meet the enormous computing power demand for information processing in future society. In the 6G era, due to process constraints and the limitation of computing growth space, the computing power of single chips and traditional centralized data centers will face bottlenecks. 6G intelligent computing network technology aims to unify the management and scheduling of a large number of idle computing resources through the network, realizing the networking, intelligence, and service of computing. 6G intelligent computing network technology will promote the deep integration of communication, computing, and perception functions, driving digital transformation and innovative development in society.
Key Points of 6G Integrated Sensing and Computing Network Architecture Design
The architecture of the 6G integrated sensing and computing network refers to the deep integration of communication and sensing functions at the network level, thereby achieving efficient transmission and precise perception of information. This architecture will break the boundaries between traditional communication and sensing systems, achieving collaborative optimization of both to enhance overall performance. The key points of the design of the 6G integrated sensing and computing network architecture mainly include the following six aspects.
First is the design of communication and sensing architecture and modes, which is the foundation for achieving integrated sensing and computing.The system architecture needs to simultaneously achieve sensing and communication, sharing sites, antennas, and computing power. In terms of mode design, time-division and frequency-division working modes can be adopted to achieve on-demand sensing with minimal communication resource usage.
Second is modeling reconstruction and channel parameter extraction in complex environments.In the integrated sensing and computing system, the sensing and communication signals may face complex propagation environments, so research is needed on how to model and reconstruct in complex environments and accurately extract channel parameters.
Third is target resolution and detection in dense dynamic situations.In the integrated sensing and computing system, multiple sensing targets need to be processed simultaneously, so research is needed on how to resolve and detect targets in dense dynamic situations.
Fourth is integrated sensing and computing waveforms and intelligent signal processing.To reduce the signal-to-noise ratio and improve sensing and communication performance, new integrated sensing and computing waveforms and intelligent signal processing technologies need to be researched.
Fifth is new information theory.Some issues in the integration process require new information theories for guidance, including how to achieve optimal data packet structures, space-time signal power distribution, and wireless resource management.
Sixth is the study of the mechanism protocol and standard formulation for integrated sensing, transmission, and computing.In the integrated sensing and computing system, the functions of perception, communication, and computing need to be closely coordinated, so the mechanism protocol for integrated sensing, transmission, and computing should be studied, along with the establishment of corresponding standards.
Application Scenarios and Pilot Verification of 6G Integrated Sensing and Computing Networks
Application Scenarios of 6G Integrated Sensing and Computing Networks
The application scenarios of 6G integrated sensing and computing networks are very rich, covering multiple fields. In the intelligent transportation field, 6G integrated sensing and computing networks can be used for intelligent transportation systems to achieve precise perception and positioning of vehicles, pedestrians, and other targets. By obtaining real-time traffic information, traffic flow management can be optimized to improve road usage efficiency while ensuring traffic safety.
In the intelligent manufacturing field, 6G integrated sensing and computing networks can achieve precise control and monitoring of equipment. By real-time sensing of the status and operating conditions of equipment, predictive maintenance can be realized, improving production efficiency and product quality.
In the smart city field, 6G integrated sensing and computing networks can be used to build smart cities, achieving intelligent management in various urban areas. For example, by sensing information on the urban environment, traffic, and energy, functions such as intelligent lighting, intelligent security, and intelligent environmental protection can be realized, improving the efficiency of urban management and the quality of life for residents.
In the healthcare field, 6G integrated sensing and computing networks can achieve functions such as remote medical care and health monitoring. By real-time sensing of patients’ physiological information and health status, doctors can perform remote diagnosis and treatment, thereby improving the efficiency and quality of medical services.
In the environmental monitoring and protection field, 6G integrated sensing and computing networks can be used for environmental monitoring and protection, achieving real-time monitoring and analysis of environmental parameters such as air quality, water quality, and soil quality. This helps to timely identify environmental issues and take effective measures for protection and improvement.
Pilot Verification of 6G Integrated Sensing and Computing Networks
The pilot verification of 6G integrated sensing and computing networks is an important step before application, mainly verifying the feasibility and practical effectiveness of related technologies. Currently, some research institutions and enterprises have made progress in pilot verification of 6G integrated sensing and computing networks.For example, China Mobile Research Institute has successfully built a research and verification platform for integrated sensing technology in the 6G open laboratory, completing technical scheme verification for mobile communication systems perceiving multiple detection targets in the medium-low frequency band and millimeter wave frequency band through this platform.This platform includes leading industry radar simulators, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and other main functional modules, meeting the verification needs of diversified sensing scenarios.
In addition, some research teams are conducting pilot verification of 6G integrated sensing and computing networks in fields such as intelligent transportation and intelligent manufacturing. For example, utilizing 6G integrated sensing and computing networks to achieve precise perception and positioning of vehicles, pedestrians, and other targets can enhance the safety and efficiency of intelligent transportation systems. In the intelligent manufacturing field, 6G integrated sensing and computing networks can achieve precise control and monitoring of equipment, thereby improving production efficiency and product quality.
The 6G integrated sensing and computing air interface technology breaks the boundaries between traditional communication and sensing systems, achieving collaborative optimization of both. The pilot verification of 6G integrated sensing and computing networks is a continuous process that requires research institutions and enterprises to work together in technology research and development, standard formulation, and industrial cooperation to promote the commercialization and application expansion of 6G technology.
Author: China Mobile Communication Group Design Institute Co., Ltd. Diao Zhaokun Yang Li Wang ZhenzhangSource: This article is reproduced from “Communication World” No. 948, July 25, 2024, Issue 14
