A fuzzy-based routing protocol for cognitive radio networks

Abstract

With the growing spectrum demand over the last decade, the use of cognitive radio networks (CRN) has provided a viable solution to spectrum scarcity problem. These networks basically employ two types of users: primary user (PU) and secondary user (SU). The PUs are allocated a license to use the spectrum at their will. On the other hand the SUs communicates via other SUs or through the licensed spectrum of PU nodes opportunistically. In such a scenario it is important that routing protocol that is deployed must take into consideration the stability of the route. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel fuzzy-based routing strategy with this objective in mind. Further, an attempt has been made to evaluate the performance of proposed routing strategy in realistic environment. The simulation results shows that the path selection utilising the fuzzy theory presents far better results when compared with shortest path routing protocol employing CR capabilities.