Spectrum Trading in Cognitive Radio Networks: Challenges and Solutions

Abstract

Cognitive Radio (CR) paradigm has been introduced to overcome several problems related with the limited resources of radio spectrum in wireless networks. Towards this direction, CR network architectures exploit dynamic spectrum access mechanisms for an efficient usage of the available frequency slots. Such frequency slots include specific parts of radio spectrum, like the TV White Spaces (TVWS). In this context, this chapter elaborates on reviewing the related research approaches in the field of radio spectrum management and trading, considering both centralized and distributed network architectures. In addition, a radio resource management (RRM) and trading solution is presented to enable for the opportunistic exploitation of TVWS in a centralized CR network. Efficient administration of radio spectrum resources is achieved, by using a novel RRM framework, adopted in a spectrum broker that is in charge to effectively orchestrate the available wireless networking resources. Finally, fields for further research are proposed, concluding this chapter.