Investigating the Effect of Imperfect Sensing on Spectrum Performance in Cognitive Radio Networks

Abstract

In Cognitive Radio (CR), much research is yet to be done in addressing the spectrum scarcity issues. CR has been considered as a tool to detect unused frequency bands called spectrum holes, which are not used by the licensed users, also known as primary users (PUs) and allocate this unused frequency bands to the unlicensed users also known as secondary users (SUs). The state of the frequency band can either be idle (Not occupied by the PU) or busy (Occupied by the SU). The SU have the ability to sense and use spectrum holes when primary users do not transmit data on the assigned spectrum. However, spectrum sensing errors may happen due to uncertainty of wireless channels and unpredictable interference. Because there can be unpredicted interferences. Therefore, this research paper designed a network model which is simulated using OPNET Modeler v14.0. The results obtained from the simulations were analyzed to investigate the effect of imperfect sensing on spectrum performance in cognitive radio networks.