Unified Layered Security Architecture for Cognitive Radio Networks

Cognitive radio networks (CRN) is built on cognitive radio technology which could provide a good solution for heterogeneous networks merging. However, heterogeneous networks merging leads to security standards of the different networks are not compatible. This paper focuses on security architecture of different heterogeneous networks and proposes unified layered security architecture for the future cognitive radio networks. The new architecture consists of two security sub-layers: security of application layer (sub-layer 1) and physical layer (sub-layer 2). Sub-layer 1 focuses on the encryption algorithms, key management, authentication, data encryption and policy strategies. Sub-layer 2 is responsible for spectrum detection, spectrum distribution, and spectrum recycling. Analysis indicates the proposed architecture is adaptable, scalable, and suitable for cognitive radio networks.