Intelligent Spectrum Sensing Techniques for Cognitive Radio Network

Abstract: The growing demand of wireless applications has put a lot of constraints on the usage of available radio spectrum which is limited and precious resource. Cognitive radio is a promising technology which provides a novel way to improve utilization efficiency of available electromagnetic spectrum. Reliable spectrum sensing is one of the most crucial aspects for the successful deployment of cognitive radio (CR) technology. Spectrum sensing in CR is challenged by a number of uncertainties, which degrade the sensing performance and in turn require much more time to achieve the targeted sensing efficiency. Cognitive radio technology promises a solution to the problem by allowing unlicensed users, access to the licensed bands opportunistically. A prime component of the cognitive radio technology is spectrum sensing. Many spectrum sensing techniques have been developed to sense the presence or not of a licensed user.

Keywords: Cognitive radio networks, Spectrum sensing, Energy detection, Cyclostationary detection, Matched filter.