New dynamic spectrum access algorithm for TV white space cognitive radio networks

• Published in: IET communications 2016-12, Vol.10 (18), p.2591-2597
• Main Authors: Martin, John Hugh, Dooley, Laurence Sean, Wong, Kam Cheung Patrick
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; Bandwidth; Channels; Cognitive radio; cognitive radio TVWS model; detection probability; Detectors; Devices; Digital; digital television; digital terrestrial TV channels; DTT channels; DTT PU; dynamic spectrum access algorithm; energy detector; feature sensor; GEDA; generalised enhanced detection algorithm; licensed spectrum; multi‐access systems; Obstacles; primary users; probability; radio spectrum management; reliable detection; secondary user sensing solution; service providers; signal detection; spectrum capacity; telecommunication traffic; throughput gains; TV operators; TV white space cognitive radio networks; TVWS spectrum; TVWS users; unlicensed resources; unused TV channels; wireless devices
• ISSN: 1751-8628; 1751-8636; 1751-8636
• DOI: 10.1049/iet-com.2016.0213

As more user applications emerge for wireless devices, the corresponding amount of traffic is rapidly expanding, with the corollary that ever-greater spectrum capacity is required. Service providers are experiencing deployment blockages due to insufficient bandwidth being available to accommodate such devices. TV White Space (TVWS) represents an opportunity to supplement existing licensed spectrum by exploiting unlicensed resources. TVWS spectrum has materialised from the unused TV channels in the switchover from analogue to digital platforms. The main obstacles to TVWS adoption are reliable detection of primary users (PUs) i.e. TV operators and consumers, allied with specifically, the hidden node problem. This study presents a new Generalised Enhanced Detection Algorithm (GEDA) that exploits the unique way Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) channels are deployed in different geographical areas. GEDA effectively transforms an energy detector into a feature sensor to achieve significant improvements in detection probability of a DTT PU. Furthermore, by framing a novel margin strategy utilising a keep-out contour, the hidden node issue is resolved and a viable secondary user sensing solution formulated. Experimental results for a cognitive radio TVWS model have formalised both the bandwidth and throughput gains secured by TVWS users with this new paradigm.