Performance Appraisal of Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Network

Abstract

Spectrum is a precious resource in wireless communication due to its insufficiency. Cognitive Radio (CR), a wireless communication technique, is introduced to reduce the shortage of spectrum using the licensed band of the Primary User (PU) when it is not in use. Spectrum sensing is a prerequisite for detection of vacant bands in CR technology though fading effect and time-varying disposition impede spectrum hole detection. In this paper, we have presented a comparative analysis among different spectrum sensing approaches such as cooperative sensing by applying four decision fusion rules i.e., AND-rule, OR-rule, majority-rule, and optimal fusion rule as well as non-cooperative approach in terms of probability of detection $({P}_{d})$ and the probability of false alarm (Pf). Moreover, the number of nodes or Secondary Users (SUs) has been varied to observe its contribution to spectrum sensing. The analysis has been carried out under Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN), Rayleigh, Rician, and Nakagami channel considering the fading effect. Finally, the optimum configuration for spectrum hole detection has been determined as per the analysis.