Adapting Cognitive Radio Technology for Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Network Devices

Abstract

The application of wireless personal area network (WPAN) and simple point-to-point wireless communication devices has increased drastically both in private household and in our workspaces in general over the last decade. Combined with the fact that the total number of wireless devices and associated standards present in the wireless environment is experiencing an extreme growth, the frequency spectrum scarcity is exposed as a severe challenge. Setting up efficient and reliable wireless WPAN links can be challenging even today. This is especially true because of the intensive use of the license-free frequency bands, where the level of interference can be extremely high. Combined with the challenges associated with multi-path propagation and attenuation, setting up and maintaining an acceptable level of perceived QoS is a challenging job even for trained professionals. This paper discusses the challenges associated with the implementation of highly reliable low-power WPAN networks for the future and the adaption of Cognitive Radio technology as a potential solution. A brief status on the maturity of CR technology will be presented as an integral part of this discussion.