Performance of MADM algorithms with real spectrum measurements for spectrum decision in cognitive radio networks

Spectrum decision is an important functionality of a cognitive radio terminal, which allows the selection of the appropriate frequency band from the available underutilized spectrum. Spectrum decision conducts itself in accordance to the communication requirements of the secondary (or cognitive) users in the forthcoming Cognitive Radio Networks (CRNs). Selecting the best spectrum for a given transmission involves making preference decisions over the set of available alternatives of frequency bands, which are indeed characterized by different attributes. Therefore, spectrum decision can be modeled as a multiple attribute decision making (MADM) problem. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of MADM decision algorithms such as Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), Technique for Order Preferences by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and the Compromise Ranking Method VIKOR for spectrum decision. The study, however, is conducted using real spectrum occupancy measurements to evaluate the performance of the aforementioned algorithms in a practical scenario. Some important attributes of underutilized spectrum are proposed for consideration in the decisions. Results show that SAW algorithm performs well for the preferred spectrum attributes in the selected scenarios, while offering a good performance also in other parameters.