An Efficient Deep Learning-based Spectrum Awareness Approach for Vehicular Communication

Intelligent transportation systems require a reliable exchange of information between network terminals in different vehicular communication environments. Making effective use of the dedicated spectrum is crucial to maximizing communication performance. This requires optimising the modulation order according to different channel conditions. This paper proposes a lightweight spectrum awareness methodology that uses wideband spectrum monitoring and deep learning-based modulation classification techniques to optimise the modulation order. We introduce a channel quality indicator block in which the classifier’s accuracy of detection is used as a forward indicator for the choice of the best modulation type for transmission. By using a 3D stochastic vehicular channel, we evaluate the classification performance at different channel parameter settings, including, speed, variance, and signal-to-noise ratio in urban and rural areas. The experimental analyses demonstrate the capability of the proposed approach to supporting a high detection probability for acceptable false decision-making ≤ 20%.