Characterization of Multi-Link Propagation and Bistatic Target Reflectivity for Distributed Multi-Sensor ISAC

Abstract: Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) qualifies mobile radio systems for detecting and localizing of passive objects by means of radar sensing. Advanced ISAC networks rely on meshed mobile radio access nodes (infrastructure and/or user equipment, resp.) establishing a distributed, multistatic MIMO radar system in which each target reveals itself by its bistatic backscattering. Therefore, characterization of the bistatic reflectivity of targets along their trajectories of movement is of highest importance for ISAC performance prediction. We summarize several challenges in bistatic modeling and measurement of extended, potentially time-variant radar targets. We emphasize the specific challenges arising for distributed (hence multi-link) ISAC networks and compare to the state of the art in propagation modeling for mobile communication.