This paper presents a different perspective on the collective concept of software-hardware defined radio (SHDR) in cognitive radio (CR) networks.The SHDR is proposed considering the multiple hardware functionalities conceived by software defined radio, which generally reflects on the adaptable recognition of network services and operational conditions. An ad-hoc network scheme is envisaged as an alternative to a conventional cellular network to accommodate for emergency situations. The connection to such emergency backup network could be established on CR engines built in normal or dedicated smart phone handsets.