A Cross-layer Cognitive Radio Testbed for the Evaluation of Spectrum Sensing Receiver and Interference Analysis

Cognitive radio (CR) technology has been proposed as a promising solution for maximizing the utilization of already-crowded spectrum resources. As new algorithms, circuits and systems are developed for CR technology, it is essential to have a reconfigurable testbed system for their verification. A multistandard, fully software driven, cross-layer CR testbed has been developed to support thorough testing of CR system and custom designed integrated circuits (ICs). This paper presents details of cross-layer CR testbed and three demonstrations of testbed usage; (a) cognitive radio system concept demonstration, (b) multi-resolution spectrum sensing (MRSS) receiver IC evaluation, (c) interference analysis for UWB coexistence with WiMax. With this reconfigurable testbed, a new idea can be easily verified, demonstrated and extended to further research.