Proactive spectrum sensing with probing power control in cognitive radio

Spectrum sensing plays a vital part in cognitive radio (CR) communication. In this paper, we consider a novel proactive sensing scheme that helps combat the hidden-node problem, while increasing certainty in the decision of spectrum occupancy. We extend this scheme by limiting the power of the probing signal used in carrying out proactive detection, with constraints set based on the interference threshold of the primary receiver. In protecting the licensed user from undue interference, and meeting the cognitive user's needs, simulation results show that power control is both a practical and constructive step forward in research in this new proactive scheme.