Foundations and Trends® in Networking > Vol 16 > Issue 1-2

Cell-free Integrated Sensing and Communication

By Diluka Galappaththige, University of Alberta, Canada, lokugala@ualberta.ca | Chintha Tellambura, University of Alberta, Canada, ct4@ualberta.ca

 
Suggested Citation
Diluka Galappaththige and Chintha Tellambura (2025), "Cell-free Integrated Sensing and Communication", Foundations and Trends® in Networking: Vol. 16: No. 1-2, pp 1-170. http://dx.doi.org/10.1561/1300000079

Publication Date: 15 dec 2025
© 2025 D. Galappaththige and C. Tellambura
 
Subjects
Communication complexity,  Communication system design,  Information theory and computer science,  Information theory and statistics,  Multiuser information theory,  Signal processing for communications,  Wireless communications,  Sensors and sensing,  Network infrastructures
 

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In this article:
1. Introduction
2. Fundamentals of Cell-free Massive MIMO
3. Fundamentals of Radar Sensing
4. Integrated Sensing and Communication
5. Cell-free ISAC
6. State of the Art and Open Challenges in Cell-free ISAC
7. Performance Analysis in Cell-free ISAC
8. Beamforming Designs in Cell-free ISAC
9. Security Challenges of Cell-free ISAC
10. Network-assisted Cell-free ISAC
11. Key Challenges in Cell-free ISAC
12. Open Research Directions and Future Trends
Acknowledgments
References

Abstract

Cell-free (CF) integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) merges the CF architecture with ISAC functionalities. CFISAC leverages distributed access points, removes cell boundaries, and enhances coverage, spectral efficiency, and reliability. It also improves energy efficiency, enabling robust multi-user communication, distributed multi-static sensing, and seamless resource optimization.

A comprehensive survey on CF-ISAC has been lacking. This monograph addresses that gap by covering the foundational principles, cooperative transmission, radar cross-section, target parameter estimation, ISAC integration levels, sensing metrics, and key applications. It also explores the advantages of multi-static sensing.

Performance analysis, resource allocation, security, and user/ target-centric designs are discussed. Finally, synchronization, multi-target detection, interference management, and fronthaul limitations are discussed. Advanced antenna technologies, network-assisted systems, near-field CF-ISAC, crosstechnology integration, and machine learning approaches are presented.

DOI:10.1561/1300000079

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ISBN: 978-1-63828-640-0
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Table of contents:
1. Introduction
2. Fundamentals of Cell-free Massive MIMO
3. Fundamentals of Radar Sensing
4. Integrated Sensing and Communication
5. Cell-free ISAC
6. State of the Art and Open Challenges in Cell-free ISAC
7. Performance Analysis in Cell-free ISAC
8. Beamforming Designs in Cell-free ISAC
9. Security Challenges of Cell-free ISAC
10. Network-assisted Cell-free ISAC
11. Key Challenges in Cell-free ISAC
12. Open Research Directions and Future Trends
Acknowledgments
References

Cell-free Integrated Sensing and Communication

Cell-free (CF) integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) merges the CF architecture with ISAC functionalities. CF-ISAC leverages distributed access points, removes cell boundaries, and enhances coverage, spectral efficiency, and reliability. It also improves energy efficiency, enabling robust multi-user communication, distributed multi-static sensing, and seamless resource optimization.

Performance analysis, resource allocation, security, and user/target-centric designs are discussed. Finally, synchronization, multi-target detection, interference management, and front-haul limitations are discussed. Advanced antenna technologies, network-assisted systems, near-field CF-ISAC, cross-technology integration, and machine learning approaches are presented.

 
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