Auction-based Theory for Dynamic Spectrum Access: a Review

With the advent of 5G (and beyond) technologies, efficient exploitation of radio spectrum resources is becoming the fundamental block of the new digital economy. Unfortunately, current static radio spectrum allocation policies are introducing an artificial spectrum scarcity problem. In this context, cognitive radio and spectrum licensing have been proposed as effective ways to guarantee adequate quality of service. In particular, the radio spectrum auction design is both answer and efficient solution to these problems. This paper provides a survey on auction-based methods applied to radio spectrum allocation in cognitive radio networks. We first outline the characteristics of radio spectrum regulation and spectrum sharing, as well as the advantages of a dynamic spectrum access framework. Then, we introduce the economic properties of conventional auctions. Finally, we present a comprehensive taxonomy of auction-based methods applied to spectrum allocation in cognitive radio networks, as well as their characteristics, and implementation issues that will improve the actual radio spectrum allocation mechanism.