The objective of this research is to develop network protocols and optimization techniques to efficiently utilize the spectrum white spaces for cognitive radio networks. The proposed approach is based on a novel cognitive radio network (CRN) network architecture under which effective design methodologies can be developed to take better advantage of cognitive radio technologies in harvesting and managing unutilized spectrum for better service provisioning.
The PIs will first study the proposed CRN architecture to enable collective spectrum sensing and let the secondary service provider manage the harvested spectrum for better spectral efficiency while shifting the design complexity from the user side to the system side. They will then investigate how to split traffic over harvested spectral bands to balance the risk and reward, how to optimally utilize the spectral resource by jointly designing frequency allocation and routing while supporting traffic demands, and how to maximize the throughput by joint link scheduling and routing. The proposed research outcome will lay the solid foundation for practical implementation of CRNs, which could potentially revolutionizes the way how cognitive radios should be more effectively used.
The research outcome will significantly advance the state of the art in CRNs, opening a new avenue to designing smart living environments for public safety, disaster rescue, mobile healthcare and online social networks to improve peoples quality of life. Research findings will be disseminated through publications and talks, and in classroom teaching. This project will also actively recruit and train minority students for future workforce and mentor junior faculty.
