Optimal multi-channel spectrum sensing in energy-constrained cognitive radio networks

Spectrum sensing is an important functionality of Cognitive Radio (CR). In this paper, an optimal multi-channel spectrum sensing strategy for energy-constrained cognitive radio networks (CRNs) is proposed. Under constraints of energy consumption and interference to the primary communication network, the multi-channel spectrum sensing problem is formulated as an optimization problem. In order to maximize the average achievable throughput of the CRN, sensing times and decision thresholds on multiple channels are jointly optimized. An iterative optimization algorithm is also proposed. Simulation results show that the proposed iterative algorithm is effective, and the throughput performance of the CRN is improved significantly.