Integrated Sensing and Communication Using a Smart Leaky-Wave Antenna

The forthcoming sixth-generation (6G) wireless systems promote the convergence of cellular, Wi-Fi, and Internet of Things (IoT) networks. In this context, indoor IoT environments demand particular attention, as enhancing communication performance through the integration of sensing information becomes crucial in such scenarios. Thus, Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is poised to be a native technology for the 6G wireless networks. However, the vast majority of proposed works have developed sensing and communication technologies separately, and just a few integrate both technologies in a single prototype. To address this research gap, this paper proposes for the first time the integration of a smart leaky-wave antenna with the Wi-Fi protocol to enhance sensing-assisted communication in a cluttered indoor IoT environment. Due to the dispersive frequency-scanning response of a leaky-wave antenna, a highly directive beam pointing to different directions in space can be used to enhance communication performance. The manufactured prototype enables precise predictive beamforming largely unaffected by clutter echoes, leading to significant improvements in effective data rate compared to widely used commercial monopole and switched beam antenna solutions.