An Improved Security Mechanism in Cognitive Radio Networks

As one type of the attacks happening in MAC layer of distributed cognitive radio networks, a selfish behavior can degrade network performance significantly. In this paper, we analyze the characteristics of selfish behavior and the methods how to expose it. In order to improve the self-giving cooperation between the nodes in cognitive radio networks and increase the fairness index of the whole networks, a rigorous punishment mechanism based on a puzzle model was proposed in this paper. The punishment mechanism was used both in a common control channel and a data channel. The results of stimulations show that the proposed punishment mechanism increases the fairness index of the cognitive radio networks and improves the self-giving cooperation between nodes in the networks.