Replacement of Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio

Abstract

Two major challenges exist in the development and deployment of cognitive radio networks: spectrum sensing and hidden terminal problem. In this research, we consider a network structure where the spectrum sensing task is separated from the unlicensed users (secondary users). The service provider for the secondary users needs to place sensing devices within the networks of licensed users (primary users). These sensing devices sense the primary users' activity. The sensing devices also decide whether to admit a secondary user's transmission. A new cognitive cycle is proposed accordingly. The proposed protocol is analyzed using the theory of Lame curve. The problem of optimally locating sensing devices and the properties of the proposed system are studied for single-user case and multi-user case. For the case without a separate control channel, a low temperature handshake technique is proposed for handshakes between the secondary users and the sensing devices. The other advantage of the proposed scheme is from the business model point of view: the expensive sensing devices will be implemented by the cognitive radio service provider, instead of being built in the secondary user devices which are usually consumer products demanding low cost.