A Study of Spectrum Sensing Using an Experimental Platform for Cognitive Radios

Cognitive radio is a technology in which intelligent radios can change their parameters through software. The technology makes it possible for opportunistic users to occupy frequency bands allocated to licensed users that are not being used by these users for a certain period of time. A technique known as spectrum sensing can be employed in the search for these “free” frequency bands in a network. Therefore, spectrum sensing is one of the most essential characteristics of a cognitive radio to ensure that opportunist users do not interfere with licensed users. A number of theoretical studies have addressed spectrum sensing. In this work, a platform known as Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) is used to experimentally analyze the process of sensing the spectrum in actual scenarios, exploring its advantages and limitations.