AT&T and Ericsson demonstrated Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technology over a commercial-era 5G network architecture to detect, locate, and continuously track multiple drones in authorized airspace near AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The demonstration used Ericsson Massive MIMO radios deployed across multiple cellular sites and AT&T network expertise to create a multi-static sensing configuration capable of monitoring drones flying at altitudes between 300 and 400 feet (91 and 122 meters).
The system reused radio signals normally transmitted for mobile communications as sensing signals, combining observations from multiple synchronized network nodes with advanced signal processing and AI-enabled sensing algorithms. The network generated real-time estimates of each drone’s location, velocity, and elevation while improving detection reliability and positioning accuracy through multi-site observations. AT&T and Ericsson said the approach could turn existing cellular infrastructure into a geographically distributed sensing platform without requiring a separate network of standalone sensing systems.
The demonstration positions ISAC as an evolutionary technology path between advanced 5G networks and future 6G systems. AT&T and Ericsson plan additional demonstrations as the companies evaluate applications for major venues, critical infrastructure, public spaces, enterprises, and government environments. The companies also identified the 2028 global sporting event in Los Angeles as an example of the type of large-scale environment where network-based sensing could support operational awareness and low-altitude drone monitoring.
• Architecture: Ericsson Massive MIMO radios deployed across multiple cellular sites created a multi-static sensing network.
• Spectrum reuse: The system used radio transmissions normally carrying communications traffic to provide environmental sensing capabilities.
• Target detection: Multiple drones flying at altitudes of 300 to 400 feet (91 to 122 meters) were detected, localized, and continuously tracked.
• Multi-node processing: Synchronized sensing nodes combined observations to improve detection reliability, positioning accuracy, and target tracking.
• Real-time telemetry: The system calculated drone location, velocity, and elevation throughout each flight path.
• AI processing: Advanced signal processing and AI-enabled sensing algorithms analyzed radio reflections and target movement.
• Infrastructure model: The approach could add sensing functions to existing cellular networks rather than requiring a separate nationwide sensing infrastructure.
• Venue operations: Potential applications include monitoring vehicle movement, temporary event infrastructure, logistics, and environmental activity around large facilities.
• Public-sector applications: AT&T and Ericsson identified wide-area monitoring of low-altitude drone activity as a potential use case as commercial and government drone operations expand.
• 5G-to-6G roadmap: The demonstration explores how ISAC capabilities associated with future 6G systems could emerge incrementally through software, advanced radios, synchronization, and network evolution.
“As networks evolve, the opportunity is not just to prepare for 6G someday, but to begin introducing important building blocks now,” said Dyon Agnew, SVP and Head of Customer Unit AT&T, Ericsson Americas. “This demonstration with AT&T shows a product roadmap in action: using advanced 5G capabilities today to explore how sensing and connectivity can work together, then evolving those capabilities over time as the path to 6G becomes clearer.”
🌐 Analysis: The demonstration places ISAC within the broader shift toward using radio access networks as programmable infrastructure for functions beyond connectivity. Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, Huawei, and other network equipment suppliers continue research into ISAC as 3GPP advances 6G studies, while operators evaluate whether sensing applications can create new capabilities from geographically distributed radio infrastructure.
The architecture also raises important network design questions around synchronization, spectrum configuration, sensing resolution, AI processing placement, and the integration of sensing data with edge computing and public-sector systems. Demonstrations using operational 5G infrastructure provide AT&T and Ericsson with a way to evaluate these requirements before standardized 6G sensing architectures and commercial deployment models emerge.
