Fueled by ongoing and increasing consumer demand, the explosive growth in spectrum-based communications continues to tax the finite resources of the available spectrum. One possible solution, Cognitive Radio Network (CRN), allows unlicensed users opportunistic access to licensed bands without interfering with existing users. Although some initial study has been conducted in this field, researchers need a systematic reference book that presents clear definitions, functions, and current challenges of the CRNs. Cognitive Radio Networks presents state-of-the-art approaches and novel technologies for cognitive wireless radio networks and sheds light on future developments in these areas.

Comprising the contributions of many prominent world-wide cognitive radio researchers, this book covers all CRN essentials including spectrum sensing, spectrum handoff, spectrum sharing, and CRN routing schemes. Divided into five parts, the book addresses the physical layer, medium access control, the routing layer, cross-layer considerations and advanced topics in cognitive radio networks. The chapters also review research, management, support, and cognitive techniques such as position and network awareness, infrastructure and physical and link layer concerns.

The editors of this volume are noted experts in the field of wireless networks and security. Dr. Yang Xiao's research has been supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Army Research, Fleet & Industrial Supply Center San Diego (FISCSD), and the University of Alabama's Research Grants Committee. Dr. Fei Hu has worked with NSF, Cisco, Lockheed Martin, Sprint, and other organizations. By bringing together the combined input of international experts, these editors have advanced the field of this nascent technology and helped to forge new paths of discovery for progressive communications possibilities.