A New Dimension in Radio Spectrum Sharing through Network Cooperation

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Existing spectrum-sharing paradigms have set clear boundaries between primary and secondary networks. There is very limited node-level cooperation between primary and secondary networks. This project develops a new and bold paradigm that explores policy-based network cooperation as a new dimension for spectrum sharing between primary and secondary networks. The benefits of this paradigm are numerous, as it allows integrating resources from two networks. To move this new paradigm from concept to reality, this project aims to (1) develop fundamental understanding of policy-based cooperation through mathematical models and optimization, (2) explore new achievable rate regions through the use of advanced physical layer technologies, and (3) develop distributed optimization algorithms that can offer performance approaching the theoretical limits. For prototype, the project implements the policy-based cooperation on a 48-node testbed.The project investigates a new paradigm and technologies that enable more flexible and efficient sharing of the radio spectrum. New mathematical models developed in this research will help gain fundamental understanding of the benefits of the new paradigm. The use of advanced physical layer technologies will further push the performance envelopes of achievable rate regions. New textbooks will be developed and used in classrooms at Virginia Tech and other universities. Special efforts to broadening participation by female and underrepresented students are planned through an on-going NSF REU site for cognitive radio communications and Virginia Tech's participation in Pacesetters, a program organized by the National Center for Women and Information Technology.