Joint Optimization of Spectrum Sensing for Cognitive Radio Networks

Cognitive radio networks require fast and reliable spectrum sensing to achieve high network utilization by secondary users. Current optimization approaches to spectrum sensing to-date have focussed on maximizing aggregate throughput while considering only a single parameter variable pertinent to sensing, notably the threshold or duration, but not both. In this work, we consider joint minimization of the average detection time for finding a spectrum hole as a function of both parameters. We show that the resulting non-convex problem is actually biconvex under practical conditions and solve for a global optimum detection time. Numerical results show that the proposed approach can considerably improve system performance in terms of the mean time to detect a spectrum hole.