Abstract

6G wireless networks will integrate communication, computing, localization, and sensing capabilities while meeting the needs of high reliability and trustworthiness. In this paper, we develop similar techniques as those used by communication modules of previous generations for the sensing functionality of 6G networks. Specifically, this paper introduces the concept of extended automatic repeat request (e-ARQ) for integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) networks. We focus on multi-static sensing schemes, in which the nodes receiving the reflected sensing signals provide the transmitting nodes with configurable levels of feedback about the sensing result. This technique improves the sensing quality via retransmissions using adaptive parameters. We show that our proposed e-ARQ boosts the sensing quality in terms of detection accuracy and provides a sense of adaptability for applications supported by ISAC networks.