Target Tracking With ISAC Using EMLSR in Next-Generation IEEE 802.11 WLANs: Non-Cooperative and Cooperative Approaches

TL;DR

This work integrates ISAC with Enhanced Multi-Link Single-Radio (EMLSR) in next-generation IEEE 802.11 WLANs to enable target tracking via TXOP-aware ISAC decisions and STA MLD selection. It develops a Kalman-filter–based tracking framework, a time-based ISAC decision rule, and CRLB-guided UL sensing combined with a fairness-driven DL scheduling, underpinning two approaches: non-cooperative (local interface decisions) and cooperative (aggregate-interface decisions). The contributions include a rigorous design principle set, a k-candidates strategy for UL sensing, and a weighted fairness heuristic for DL, demonstrating tradeoffs and performance gains in sensing accuracy and data throughput through simulations. The results highlight the practicality of ISAC+EMLSR in Wi-Fi 7 networks and point to future work on multi-target tracking and multi-AP coordination for broader applicability.

Abstract

New amendments support Wi-Fi access points (APs) and stations (STAs) in next-generation IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks (WLANs). IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) features multi-link operation (MLO) with multi-link device (MLD) hosting multiple interfaces, highlighting enhanced multi-link single-radio (EMLSR) operation. IEEE 802.11bf features Wi-Fi sensing, enabling integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) in Wi-Fi. In this paper, we pioneer an innovative combination of EMLSR operation and ISAC functionality, considering target tracking with ISAC using EMLSR in IEEE 802.11 WLANs. We establish a unique scenario where AP MLD needs to make ISAC decision and STA MLD selection when its interface gains a transmit opportunity (TXOP). Then, we present key design principles: ISAC decision involves the Kalman filter for target state and a developed time-based strategy for sensing/communications determination, while STA MLD selection involves a Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB)-based trilateration performance metric along with a developed candidate strategy for UL sensing and involves a developed weighted proportional fairness-aware heuristic strategy for DL communications. We propose novel non-cooperative and cooperative approaches, where each interface leverages its own information and aggregate information across all interfaces, respectively. For proposed non-cooperative and cooperative approaches, simulation results exhibit their tradeoff and superiority about sensing and communications.

Figures (6)

• Figure 1: An illustration of Wi-Fi network, where $E_l$ represents the $l$th interface and each solid line between interfaces represents a link
• Figure 2: An illustration of ISAC under EMLSR operation
• Figure 3: An illustration of proposed non-cooperative and cooperative approaches with $N_1=N_2=N_3=N_L=0$ and $\alpha=0.5$
• Figure 4: MSE and throughput under different values $k=\{4,12\}$ with number of STA MLDs $M = 12$
• Figure 5: MSE between target position $(x,y)$ and predicted target position $(\hat{x},\hat{y})$ under different number of STA MLDs $M=\{4,8,12\}$ with $k=4$

Theorems & Definitions (1)

• proof