Review on cross-layer design for cognitive ad-hoc and sensor network

Abstract

Most of the ad-hoc networks including wireless sensor network operates in unlicensed spectrum bands (e.g. 2.4 GHzISM band), which is shared by other wireless technologies. This leads to coexistent interference and degrades the performanceof ad-hoc sensor network (AHSN). Introducing cognitive radio (CR) concept in AHSN, the unutilised licensed spectrum (whitespaces) can be used opportunistically without disturbing licensed holders. Conventional TCP/IP layered architecture for CRnetwork lacks in mobility, data transfer performance, energy efficiency, quality of service and so on. Coupling of some of thelayers allows coordination, interaction and joint optimisation of protocols to achieve significant performance improvements forCR-AHSN. Of late, many researches are going on different approaches of using CR for reusing unused spectrum andenhancing total system capacity. This study presents a comprehensive review of various cross-layer design approaches in CRsensor network.