Hidden Node Scenario: A Case for Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks

Abstract

Cognitive radio technology allows the opportunistic usage of licensed spectrum resources by unlicensed users. The most important function of the cognitive radio technology is spectrum sensing. In hidden node scenarios, cooperation among cognitive radio nodes is needed to improve the sensing performance. In this work, the benefits of cooperative spectrum sensing are illustrated in a hidden node environment. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The distributed cooperative sensing approach was adopted for the implementation. Universal Software Radio Peripheral was used in collecting spectrum data and results were analysed using MATLAB software toolkit. Findings: Cooperative spectrum sensing among cognitive radio nodes operating at the same frequency improves the probability of detection, and the overall efficiency of the system. Results shows that the cooperative sensing scheme outperforms the individual sensing approach keeping in mind the number of collected samples as the key performance indicator. Applications/Improvements: The results obtained show that the frequency spectrum is underutilised. There is a need to explore the present spectrum holes and improve on the available sensing techniques for the implementation of cognitive radio networks in the future.