Cooperative spectrum sensing for heterogeneous sensor networks using multiple decision statistics

Abstract

The detection of active Primary Users (PUs) in practical wireless channels with a single Cognitive Radio (CR) sensor is challenging due to several issues such as the hidden node problem, path loss, shadowing, multipath fading, and receiver noise/interference uncertainty. In this context, Cooperative Spectrum Sensing (CSS) is considered a promising technique in order to enhance the overall sensing efficiency. Existing CSS methods mostly focus on homogeneous cooperating nodes considering identical node capabilities, equal number of antennas, equal sampling rate and identical Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). However, in practice, nodes with different capabilities can be deployed at different stages and are very much likely to be heterogeneous in terms of the aforementioned features. In this context, we propose a novel decision statistics-based centralized CSS technique using the joint Probability Distribution Function (PDF) of the multiple decision statistics resulting from different processing capabilities at the sensor nodes and compare its performance with various existing cooperative schemes. Further, we provide a design guideline for the network operators to facilitate decision making while upgrading a sensor network.