Stable Throughput Tradeoffs in Cognitive Radio Networks

Introduction: This work introduces a highly innovative approach for the operation of cognitive radio networks that is suitable for tactical wireless environments and provides a rigorous analysis of tradeoffs in network throughput that enables improved system performance. Cognitive wireless network technology, which integrates adaptive algorithms, dynamic spectrum access, and channel sensing, has the potential to provide significant gains in communication capability to warfighters. To achieve the needed performance improvements and avoid disruptions, cognitive radios offer tremendous opportunities for adaptation. Systems will have the capability to sense the conditions of their local operating environment and then dynamically adapt their data rate, modulation, coding, transmit power, and frequency, as needed, to changes in propagation, signal fading, multipath, or friendly/unfriendly interference. Although there has been considerable research and development in the area of cognitive radios in recent years, few studies have addressed the challenges of forming cognitive radio networks. Consequently, issues associated with cognitive tactical wireless networks have scarcely been addressed. The present work addresses fundamental issues in cognitive shared channels where the users have different priority levels, a situation that is commonly seen in tactical edge networks. This work is being carried out as part of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Networked Communications Capabilities Program (NCCP), and is in line with the Navy/Marine Corps evolving strategic plan and priorities.