CRAM: Cooperative resource allocation with spotlighting for zero-interruption ISAC networks
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
The emergence of sixth-generation (6G) communication systems promotes an integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) framework to address growing demands for seamless connectivity. This paper proposes a cooperative resource allocation method (CRAM) that enables uninterrupted service for mobile terminals (MTs) moving across heterogeneous base stations (BSs) without resource handovers—inspired by a spotlight tracking a moving actor. Specifically, we tackle the challenge of dynamically managing resources in macro–micro heterogeneous ISAC networks by exploiting real-time MT speed and location information. CRAM achieves a spotlight effect for MTs through two core strategies: a resource pre-allocation mechanism driven by network topology sensing, and a resource sharing strategy that mitigates ping-pong effects in micro-BS overlapping regions. For high-velocity MTs, spectrum resources are assigned at macro-BSs to enhance service quality and minimize handovers. Furthermore, we incorporate the Cramer–Rao lower bound to derive optimized resource allocation policies adapted to diverse MT speeds and locations. Simulation results demonstrate that CRAM tailors resource distribution to MT characteristics, guaranteeing zero-interruption connectivity while maximizing system performance. In comparison with existing benchmarks, CRAM improves system throughput by 24.5% and 20.9%, reduces the total number of handovers by 29.1% and 16.5%, and increases the average signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) for all MTs by 41.3% and 30.3%. These outcomes highlight CRAM’s potential to redefine 6G network management by substantially boosting network efficiency and user experience.
Keywords
Cramer-Rao lower bound, integrated sensing and communication, resource allocation, spotlight effect, zero interruption
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
Volume
12
Publication Title
IEEE Transactions on Cognitive Communications and Networking
Publisher
IEEE
School
School of Engineering
Funding Information
National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Number: 62361011) / National Research and Development Programs of China (Grant Number: 2025YFB3109801) / Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Plan Project / (Grant Number: [2026]175 and [2026]209) / Guizhou Province Scientist Workstation (Grant Number: KXJZ[2025]005) / Guizhou Province Science and Technology Innovation Platform (Grant Number: JSZX(2025)020)
Copyright
subscription content
Content Type
Metadata only
First Page
10232
Last Page
10248
Recommended Citation
Zou, S., Wang, M., Liwang, M., Wu, B., Ni, W., & Wang, X. (2026). CRAM: Cooperative resource allocation with spotlighting for zero-interruption ISAC networks. IEEE Transactions on Cognitive Communications and Networking, 12, 10232–10248. https://doi.org/10.1109/TCCN.2026.3709873