The growing demand for wireless services coupled with the limited availability of suitable electromagnetic spectrum is increasing the need for more efficient RF spectrum utilization. Spectrum allocated to TV operators can potentially be shared by wireless data services, either when the primary service is switched off or by exploiting spatial reuse opportunities. This paper describes a dynamic spectrum access scheme for use in the TV bands which uses cognitive radio techniques to determine the spectrum availability. The approach allows secondary users (SU) to operate in the presence of the primary users (PU) and the OPNET simulation and modelling software has been used to model the performance of the scheme. An analysis of the results shows that the proposed scheme protects the primary users from harmful interference from the secondary users. In comparison with the 802.11 MAC protocol, the scheme improves spectrum utilization by about 27% while limiting the interference imposed on the primary receiver.
KeywordsDynamic Spectrum Access (DSA)Optimized Network Engineering Tool (OPNET)TV White SpaceCognitive Radio NetworksSignal-to-Interference Ratio (SIR)
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