Reactive cognitive radio algorithms for co-existence between IEEE 802.11b and 802.16a networks

This paper investigates the use of reactive cognitive radio algorithms to enable co-existence between IEEE 802.11b and 802.16a networks in the same unlicensed band. In particular, we develop a system model in which the two wireless systems share radio resources in frequency, space and time, and reactive coordination methods are used to reduce the mutual interference and improve link throughput. Reactive cognitive radio schemes utilize the available degrees of freedom in frequency, power and time, and react to observations in these dimensions to avoid interference. Dynamic frequency selection (DFS) enables radios to choose the band with the least interference. power control (PC) allows communications at the least possible transmit power. Time agility (TA) enables radios to adapt to each other's traffic patterns and avoid increasing interference in poor channel conditions. Simulation results are given for the following scenarios: (i) single 802.16a cell with single 802.11b hotspot; (ii) multiple 802.16a cells with multiple 802.11b hotspots. The results demonstrate that reactive cognitive radio schemes can provide significant improvements in 802.11b and/or 802.16a throughputs in the typical operating scenarios considered.