2024/04/29 by Zhenyao He, He, Zhenyao, Wei Xu +13 · 5 citations
Engineering · #Energy Harvesting in Wireless Networks #FOS: Computer and information sciences #Full-Duplex Wireless Communications #Indoor and Outdoor Localization Technologies #Information Theory (cs.IT)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2404.18587
openalex publication_date 2024/04/29 · openalex created_date 2024/05/02 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The exploration of extremely large antenna arrays (ELAAs) using high-frequency spectrum has led to a paradigm shift in electromagnetic radiation field, transitioning from the common use case of far-field propagation to near-field propagation. This shift necessitates the modification of the conventional planar-wavefront approximation to more accurate spherical waves, exerting a profound impact on wireless transmission technologies encompassing communication and sensing. Concurrently, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) has gained prominence in the context of the sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks owing to its ability to cater to the ever-increasing demands of future networks. In line with this evolving trend, this article presents a systematical investigation on ELAA-empowered near-field ISAC. We begin by introducing the fundamentals of near-field propagation with an emphasis on its double-edged effects to near-field communications. Then, we turn to near-field sensing and expound upon various typical applications. Following the separate elaborations on communications and sensing, we articulate in-depth advantages of ELAA-empowered ISAC in near field, particularly including featured opportunities arising from the dual-functional integrations, potential ISAC applications benefiting from the additional degrees-of-freedom in near field, and enablements of other complementary technologies. Finally, we outline key technical challenges that merit further exploration in the realm of ELAA-empowered near-field ISAC.