SD-CRN: Software Defined Cognitive Radio Network Framework

Software defined networking (SDN) provides a novel network resource management framework that overcomes several challenges related to network resources management. On the other hand, Cognitive Radio (CR) technology is a promising paradigm for addressing the spectrum scarcity problem through efficient dynamic spectrum access (DSA). CR provides unlicensed secondary users with the ability to coexist with licensed users in non-interfering mode. In this paper, we introduce a virtualization based SDN resource management framework for cognitive radio networks (CRNs). The framework uses the concept of multilayer hypervisors for efficient resources allocation. It also introduces a semi-decentralized control scheme that allows the CRN base station (BS) to delegate some of the management responsibilities to the network users. CRN resource virtualization allows dynamic, infrastructure free and efficient resources allocation to the CR users. The main objectives of the proposed framework is to reduce the CR users' reliance on the CRN BS and physical network resources while improving the network performance by reducing control overhead.