Optimal Joint Spectrum Allocation and Scheduling for Cognitive Radio Networks

目的：本课题的目标是通过在认知无线电网络中进行最优或接近最优的联合频谱分配和调度来显著提高频谱利用率。PI解决了认知无线电网络（特别是多跳认知无线电网络）中频谱分配和调度的关键和实际挑战，例如动态业务需求和模式、不可预测的主用户活动、无线干扰和共存。本项目的智力优势在于：1）本项目在不安分的多臂强盗的框架下开发了创新性的模型和算法，以解决认知无线电网络中频谱分配和调度的关键挑战; 2）该方法将网络化多臂强盗建模、图论和通信调度理论有机地结合在一起; 3）该项目显著提高了认知无线电网络的基础知识和理解; 4）开发的算法、模型和协议显著提高了未来无线通信系统的频谱利用率。更广泛的影响：该项目显著提高了未来无线通信系统的设计、部署和操作。所提出的算法、协议和模型使未来的无线系统能够比今天的系统更有效地共享频谱，这将导致显著的经济、社会和公共安全影响。此外，拟议的研究被纳入教育和培训的本科生和研究生。该项目还大大扩大了代表性不足的少数群体的参与，例如，南达科他州的印第安人。

Objective:The objective of this project is to significantly improve spectrum utilization through conducting optimal or near-optimal joint spectrum allocation and scheduling in cognitive radio networks. The PIs address critical and practical challenges for spectrum allocation and scheduling in cognitive radio networks, in particular multi-hop cognitive radio networks, such as dynamic traffic demands and pattern, unpredictable primary user activity, wireless interference, and coexistence. A test-bed will be set up to extensively evaluate the designed algorithms and protocols.Intellectual merit:The intellectual merits of this project are: 1) this project develops creative models and algorithms in the framework of restless multi-armed bandit to address the critical challenges for spectrum allocation and scheduling in cognitive radio networks; 2) the proposed methodology is novel in that it intelligently combines the networked multi-armed bandit modeling, graph theory, and communication scheduling theories; 3) this project significantly advances the fundamental knowledge and understanding of cognitive radio networks; and 4) the developed algorithms, models, and protocols significantly improves spectrum utilization in future wireless communication systems.Broader impacts:This project significantly improves the design, deployment, and operation of future wireless communication systems. The proposed algorithms, protocols, and models enable future wireless systems to share spectrum much more efficiently than today's systems, which will result in significant economical, societal, and public safety impacts. In addition, the proposed research is integrated into education and training for both undergraduate and graduate students. This project also significantly broadens the participation of underrepresented minority groups, e.g., the Native Americans in South Dakota.