Performance evaluation of energy detection based cooperative spectrum sensing in cognitive radio network

Abstract

Cognitive Radio is a promising solution to spectrum underutilization problem, highlighting the concept of Dynamic Spectrum Access with two primary functions of efficient radio spectrum usage and providing reliable communication whenever and wherever needed. In a Cognitive Radio Network, secondary users are allowed to use the vacant licensed spectrum. Hence secondary users need to sense the spectrum to check availability of vacant spectrum and vacate as soon as primary user arrives back. Thus, spectrum sensing plays a significant role in Cognitive Radio Networks. Cooperative spectrum sensing is of great importance as it combats shadowing multipath fading and receiver uncertainty problems. There are two important parameters in spectrum sensing: probability of detection and probability of false-alarm. Higher detection probability signifies better primary user protection. In this paper, performance has been evaluated and depicted for Energy detection based cooperative spectrum sensing through MATLAB simulations.