A Cross-Layer Performance Evaluation System for Spectrum Sensing and Allocation Strategies in CR-WSN

The rise of integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) makes edge sensing and computing possible in cognitive radio wireless sensor networks (CR-WSNs). Evaluating the performance of spectrum sensing strategies combined with spectrum allocation processes poses significant challenges in enhancing the performance of edge secondary nodes (SNs). In this article, we develop a cross-layer queuing analysis system for evaluating various spectrum sensing and allocation strategies through closed-form expressions of three key performance metrics: throughput, packet queue length, and packet rejection rate. The proposed system can model various network scenarios by incorporating different spectrum allocation protocols, spectrum sensing thresholds, and other relevant parameters. Thus, a CR-WSN scenario considering edge computing can be modeled using the proposed system. Furthermore, based on the energy detection method and edge computing, a novel collaborative sensing strategy (CoSS) that aims to improve sensing accuracy and the quality of service (QoS) of SNs is presented. The CoSS is evaluated using the proposed system. Numerical results show that the CoSS improves the QoS of SNs compared with the access point sensing strategy (APSS). Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed system in evaluating various spectrum sensing and allocation strategies is demonstrated. The system is expected to assist future CR-WSNs in designing various spectrum sensing and allocation strategies.