Performance Evaluation of Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Multiband Environments

Abstract:
The concept of cognitive radio networking promises a solution for the problem of spectrum underutilization. It introduces secondary cognitive network into a primary network with aim to utilize temporary vacant spectrum parts. The multiband spectrum sensing environment allows higher probability for opportunities detection and thus higher utilization of vacant spectrum parts. The cooperation among the secondary users ensures more reliable and faster spectrum opportunity detection. This paper introduces an analytical model for cooperative multiband spectrum sensing (CMSS) and demonstrates the benefits of cooperation in terms of improved throughput performance. Additionally, it illustrates a mean for quantitative determination of optimal sensing duration and appropriate number of cooperative nodes for different fusion techniques. The analytical results are confirmed with simulation results. Keywords - multiband spectrum sensing; cooperative spectrum sensing; cognitive radio networks