Advancing Cognitive Radio in 5G Networks: A Survey of Flexible and Reconfigurable Antenna Technologies

Abstract

Abstract: Nowadays, the communication industry is looking for a cognitive radio platform that can be used to handle multiple frequency bands, utilize various transmission protocols and be reconfigurable. For spectrum allocation, two methodologies have been adopted for CR between users who are licensed (PU) and those who are not (SU). They are spectrum overlay and spectrum underlay. Secondary users need to operate below the principal users' noise level therefore, significant restrictions resisted on the strength of their transmission in spectrum underlay methodology. Spectrum underlay is a type of underlay that is used in the construction of the unoccupied section of the spectrum searched by CR in the spectrum overlay process. A reconfigurable antenna is needed on RF front-end side of CR, which will a range of completely to span a vast array of frequencies specified sub-bands of frequency, and this is often a major design challenge. An antenna with a flexible monopole for Ultra-wideband equipment competent to function between the frequency range of 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz. Designs of reconfigurable antennas reported in the literature are mostly observed to be capable of manual tuning or switching between two or a few frequency bands. Hence, the requirement of new designs of integrated UWB and reconfigurable narrowband antennas that operate from 2 GHz and up to 12 GHz frequency range with a high degree of automated tunability or switching facility into different narrow bands would have a strong application potential for CRs.