Title :
Improving local and collaborative spectrum sensing in cognitive networks through the implementation of cognitive collaborators
Author :
Velempini, Mthulisi ; Moyo, Vusumuzi ; Dlodlo, Mqhele E.
Author_Institution :
North-West Univ., Mmabatho, South Africa
Abstract :
The shortage of spectrum coupled with overcrowding of unlicensed and the underutilization of licensed spectrum has led to the development of cognitive networks. Cognitive radios sense spectrum holes in licensed spectrum and utilize them when they are idle. This approach presents a number of design challenges at the MAC layer. Besides performing legacy functions, Cognitive MAC protocols coordinate spectrum sensing, spectrum decision, spectrum access and facilitate spectrum sharing between secondary (SU) and primary users (PU). Furthermore they optimize the sensing and transmission times, coordinate local and collaborative sensing. In an infrastructure-less cognitive network, nodes are expected to collaborate in spectrum sensing, to share sensing information before accessing the available spectrum, which is a challenge. To address these challenges, we propose the implementation of a cognitive collaborators scheme to coordinate local and collaborative sensing. The cognitive collaborators are equipped with two dedicated radios. One radio coordinates local and collaborative sensing and the other is employed for communication purposes. We also demonstrate through game theory technique how the use of white spaces can be optimized.
Keywords :
access protocols; cognitive radio; game theory; MAC layer; cognitive MAC protocols; cognitive collaborator scheme; cognitive radio networks; collaborative spectrum sensing; game theory technique; infrastructureless cognitive network; legacy functions; licensed spectrum; local spectrum sensing; primary user; secondary user; spectrum access; spectrum decision; spectrum sharing; white spaces; Ad hoc networks; Cognitive radio; Collaboration; Data communication; Optimization; Sensors; White spaces;
Conference_Titel :
Electrotechnical Conference (MELECON), 2012 16th IEEE Mediterranean
Conference_Location :
Yasmine Hammamet
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4673-0782-6
DOI :
10.1109/MELCON.2012.6196607