Integrated Communication, Sensing and Computing Enabled Fog Radio Access Networks: Issues and Challenges

The fog radio access network (F-RAN) is regarded as a promising architecture allowing distributed signal processing and edge intelligent, offering a synergistic paradigm of communication and computing. However, emerging services transcend this framework, necessitating additional support for advanced generalized computing and environmental sensing. In response, this paper presents an upgraded F-RAN enabled by integrated sensing, communication and computing (ISCC). Specifically, integrated sensing and communication is introduced for extended radio capabilities, with computing-first design concurrently employed as an advanced computational solution. The updated F-RAN architecture harmonizes these two emerging technical trends, underscoring their synergistic benefits. Then, key challenges in realizing this vision are identified, with corresponding solutions discussed as key technologies. Some simulation results are provided to demonstrate that incorporating ISCC design into F-RANs enhances the comprehensive performance encompassing communication, sensing, and computing. Finally, open issues are outlined to stimulate innovation in related fields.