A Cross-Layer Based Location-Aware Forwarding Using Distributed TDMA MAC for Ad-Hoc Cognitive Radio Networks

Abstract

Cognitive Radio has been the key technology for dynamic spectrum access in wireless networks. Cognitive Radio seems to be a promising solution to the radio spectrum overcrowding problem as well. Cognitive Radio Network allows opportunistic usage of the spectrum holes by enabling the coexistence of licensed (primary) users and unlicensed (secondary) users. The existing wireless legacy network protocols limit the productive utilization of spectrum holes by the secondary users. The contribution of this paper is a cross-layer based location-aware forwarding protocol, using a distributed TDMA MAC, for ad-hoc Cognitive Radio Networks. The distributed TDMA based MAC protocol constructs TDMA schedules by exchanging three rounds of control messages with collision avoidance among secondary users as a fundamental goal. Exchange of control messages takes place over a common control channel in a distributed fashion. The MAC protocol also uses the service of network layer, which classifies the available channels and selects the best ranked channel and passes this information to the MAC sub-layer for effective communication. The proposed location-aware forwarding protocol constructs request zone for making decisions regarding data packet forwarding with highest packet delivery ratio, by confining the flooding of packets, as a key objective. Simulation results show the efficacy of the proposed cross-layer scheme.