Spectrum trading in cognitive radio networks with strict transmission power control

Abstract

In this paper, the pricing and the transmission power control processes are investigated in a cognitive radio network. In the given network, there are multiple primary service providers (PSPs) which have some amount of unutilised bandwidth, and multiple secondary users (SUs) that require spectrum bands. SUs are assumed to pay the PSPs for short-term usage of their available spectrum bands; which is referred as the spectrum trading. In this multiple-seller and multiple-buyer environment, the proposed framework aims at determining the optimum price values for unit spectrum bands that maximises PSPs profits while protecting the social welfare of their network. Furthermore, the framework considers the power control, especially the effect of transmission power on the profit of PSPs. An effective power management component faces several challenges, such as low power emission and high level of quality of service. A new network element, called Telecommunication Coordinating Authority (TCA), is introduced in the proposed model. The TCA has the responsibility to control the satisfaction of all users in the PSPs' networks by simultaneously limiting interference and maximising cognitive capacity. The pricing process is based on a non-cooperative game, where the PSPs are the players. Simulation results show that the proposed framework allow PSPs to make up to 45–86% of additional profit while preserving the social welfare of the network. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.