Efficient Resource Allocation in Cognitive Networks

Abstract

Cognitive radio (CR) in conjunction with multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency-division multiple access is a candidate technology for future mobile radio networks. The short communication range of underlay CR systems is commonly a major limiting factor. In this paper, we propose a computationally and spectrally efficient resource allocation scheme for multiuser MIMO orthogonal-frequency-division-multiplexing-based underlay CR networks to provide good spectral efficiency gain and, therefore, increased communication range. Since the formulated optimization problem defines a mixed-integer programming (combinatorial task) that is hard to solve, we propose a two-phase scheme to produce efficient solutions for both the downlink and the uplink. Particularly, the first procedure elaborates on an adaptive precoding that is characterized by spectral efficiency due to the degrees of freedom it can provide. The second procedure develops a fast subcarrier mapping algorithm, which can be worked out through optimal power distribution among the CR users. The proposed scheme is optimal for the downlink but, however, near-optimal for the uplink. Simulation results demonstrate the bandwidth and computational efficiencies of the proposed scheme compared with the state of the art.