Sequential Multichannel Joint Detection Framework with Non-Uniform Channel Sensing Durations for Cognitive Radio Networks

An optimal multichannel spectrum sensing framework which searches for multiple secondary transmission opportunities over a number of narrowband channels is presented. The framework, referred to as sequential multichannel joint detection, enhances the secondary network performance while respecting the primary network integrity and keeping the interference limited. Considering a sequential periodic sensing scheme with nonuniform channel sensing durations, the sensing problem is formulated as an optimization problem to maximize the throughput capacity of the secondary network given a bound on the aggregate (weighted) interference on the primary network. Despite its nonconvexity property, the original problem is transformed into a convex optimization problem under certain practical conditions. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework and attest to its superior performance compared to contemporary strategies.