Cross-Layer Design in Cognitive Radio Networks

Radio spectrum has become a precious resource. Most frequency bands have been allocated for exclusive use in the US. However, studies have shown that a very large portion of the radio spectrum is unused or underused for long periods of time at a given geographic location. Therefore, allowing users without a license to operate in licensed bands while causing no interference to the license holder becomes a promising way to satisfy the fast growing need for spectrum resources. Dynamic spectrum access and cognitive radio are technologies for enabling opportunistic spectrum access and enhancing the efficiency and utilization of the spectrum. A cognitive radio adapts to the environment in which it operates by sensing the spectrum and then opportunistically exploiting unused and/or underused frequency bands in order to achieve certain performance goals. Due to the close coupling and interaction among protocol layers, the optimal design of opportunistic spectrum access and cognitive radio networks calls for a cross-layer approach that integrates signal processing and networking with regulatory policy making. This chapter introduces basic concepts, design issues involved, and some recent development in this emerging technological field. Future research directions are also briefly examined.