Opportunistic access in frequency hopping cognitive radio networks

Abstract

Researchers in the area of cognitive radio often investigate the utility of dynamic spectrum access as a means to make more efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum. Many studies have been conducted to find ways in which a secondary user can occupy spectrum licensed to a primary user in a manner which does not disrupt the primary user's performance. This article investigates the use of opportunistic access in a frequency hopping radio to mitigate the interference caused by other transmitters in a contentious environment such as the unlicensed 2.4 GHz region. This research demonstrates how dynamic spectrum access techniques can be used not only to prevent interfering with other users but also improve the robustness of a communication system.