“Cognitive Radio”

Simon Haykin

McMaster University

Canada

Abstract

Cognitive radio is sometimes described as a “radio that computes” or a “computer that transmits.” From these descriptions, it is apparent that computer technology plays a critical role in the design of a cognitive radio system. This said, it may not be surprising that cognitive radio was first described in the computer technology literature. Moreover, the idea of cognitive radio has been embraced by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC).  I describe cognitive radio as a “disruptive, but unobtrusive technology”, which, in the course of time, will impact wireless communication in different ways. However, for this to happen, we will have develop design strategies for building cognitive radio systems that will realize significant improvement in utilization of the radio spectrum, subject to the following system requirements:

 

§         Reliable communication with assured quality of service

• Robust performance

• Avoidance of chaotic behavior, the potential for which exists in a cognitive radio system.

 

In this lecture, I will address these issues, building on my paper that appeared in the IEEE J. Selected Areas in Communications, February 2005.