Sequential bidding auction mechanism for spectrum sharing in cognitive radio networks

Cognitive radio (CR) proffers a paradigm to improve spectrum utilization efficiency by assigning vacant licensed bands among unlicensed users. With different functionalities incorporating the CR system, spectrum sharing is one such key functionality that allows an efficient allocation of the spectrum resource. This paper concentrates on the concern related to spectrum sharing in cognitive radio networks (CRN) such that radio frequency can have an effective usage among licensed and unlicensed users. The paper formulates an auction-based spectrum allocation mechanism where bids for available bands are collected from secondary users and the primary owner decides upon the channel allocation while being restricted to single-unit-single-user allocation constraint and avoiding any harmful interference. A sequential bidding policy is deployed during the game that incorporates the winner determination and pricing strategies. Simulation results for the proposed approach unveil its effectiveness in allocating unused spectrum bands.