Spectrum sharing in heterogeneous wireless networks: An FP7 CREW use case

Abstract

Cognitive radio (CR) techniques and cognitive networks [1] aim at optimizing the use of the wireless spectrum, by observing the wireless environment and intelligently configuring radio settings and network parameters. The aim of the FP7 CREW project [2] is to establish an open federated test platform in order to facilitate experimental research on advanced spectrum sensing, CR and cognitive networking strategies. The main goal of this demonstration is to showcase the possibilities of the Belgian branch of the CREW federation. A first aspect is the demonstration of the IBBT w-ilab.t testbed [3] which will be incorporated in the CREW federation, through an example CR set-up where Wi-Fi interference is avoided by an IEEE 802.15.4 network using distributed channel selection. Secondly, a high-performance advanced spectrum sensing design [4] by imec, based on reconfigurable analog and digital building blocks is demonstrated, showing the feasibility of spectrum sensing using low-cost low-power handheld devices. Within the CREW project, the integration of the advanced spectrum sensing component and the testbed (i) generates advanced possibilities for executing and monitoring reproducible testbed experiments, and (ii) allows the optimization of horizontal resource sharing between heterogeneous networks. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.