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Publication

Analysis of an Architecture for Integrated Sensing and Communication in 5G OpenRAN

Daniel Lindenschmitt; Tobias Jung; Prudhvi Kumar Kakani; Torsten Reissland; Norman Franchi; Hans Dieter Schotten
In: 2025 IEEE Future Networks World Forum. IEEE Future Networks World Forum (FNWF-2025), November 10-12, Bangalore, India, IEEE, 2025.

Abstract

This paper analyzes the functional requirements and architectural considerations for Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) in a 5G Open Radio Access Network (OpenRAN) environment, with emphasis on secure and modular deployment. Focusing on a mono-static, half-duplex sensing approach, it evaluates radar setup options, signal types, and processing placement within the Radio Access Network (RAN), considering performance and security implications. The proposed architecture minimizes hardware modifications by leveraging sniffer Radio Units (RUs) and existing OpenRAN fronthaul interfaces, while protecting sensitive In-phase and Quadrature (I/Q) data and control traffic against potential attacks. Security threats, such as passive sensing, spoofing, and privacy violations, are mapped to mitigation strategies within the OpenRAN framework. The result is a deployment blueprint applicable to both Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) and Non-Public Networks (NPNs), supporting future 6G ISAC capabilities in a standards-compliant manner.