Threshold optimization of a finite sample-based cognitive radio network using energy detector

In this paper, we consider a cognitive radio network containing two cognitive radios (CRs) and one primary user. The CRs utilize finite number of received data samples for estimating the energy of the primary signals and forward these energy estimates to a fusion center (FC). The FC combines the energy estimates and utilizes a global threshold based on the exact knowledge of local thresholds of the CRs for determining the presence or absence of the primary signal. We propose selective and semi-selective soft combining schemes for this set-up. For the proposed schemes, we derive the total probability of error of detecting a spectrum hole. By minimizing the total probability of error in sensing a spectrum hole, we find optimized local and global thresholds. Moreover, we also discuss the optimization of conventional non-selective soft and 1-bit hard combining schemes with multiple (equal to or more than two) collaborative CRs under the total probability of error minimization criterion. It is shown by simulations that the proposed selective soft combination-based scheme significantly outperforms the conventional non-selective schemes based on soft combination and 1-bit hard combination. Further, it is shown by simulation that the proposed selective soft combining scheme along with the total probability of error minimization criterion is able to properly utilize a spectrum hole with interference level less than the standard specified value.