Spectrum aggregation provides a promising approach to improve the network capacity for Cognitive Radio Ad-Hoc Networks (CRAHNs). Resource allocation for spectrum aggregation-based CRAHNs has become one of the main issues. In this paper, we propose a cross-layer optimization for CRAHNs with the spectrum aggregation. The main objective of our paper is to maximize the network throughput under the network resource constraints. In this regard, we investigate the joint optimization for channel allocation, power control and routing under signal-to-interference-and- noise ratio (SINR) model. This cross-layer optimization problem is decomposed into two sub-problems: a resource allocation at the physical (PHY) layer, and a throughput optimization at the network layer. At the PHY layer, the particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to find the suboptimal solution, then at the network layer, linear programming is applied to evaluate the particle's fitness value for throughput maximization. The simulation results demonstrate that the joint optimization of channel allocation and power control is an effective way to improve network throughput, especially when the network has sufficient power supply.

The exponential growth in data traffic and dramatic capacity demand in fifth generation (5G) has inspired the move from traditional single-tier cellular networks towards heterogeneous cellular networks (HetNets). To face the coming trend in 5G, the high availability requirement in new applications, needs to be satisfied to achieve low latency service. In this work, we present a tractable multi-tier multi-band availability model to examine the high availability in carrier aggregation (CA)-enabled HetNets. We first derive a closed-form expression for the availability in CA- enabled HetNets based on the signal-to-interference- plus-noise model. By doing so, we formulate the joint subcarrier and power allocation problem, to maximize the availability under the power constraint. The optimization problem is non-convex problem, which is challenging to solve. To cope with it, the genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to optimize availability through joint subcarrier and power allocation. The average availability in CA-enabled HetNets improves with decreasing the number of UEs, and increasing the power budget ratio interestingly.

TV White Spaces (TVWS) has taken a major step forward with the UK regulator Ofcom initiating a pilot of the technology and associated procedures in the UK, and TVWS rules being harmonized at the European level. This paper considers some aspects of our trial within the Ofcom TV White Spaces Pilot, namely, investigation of aggregation in TVWS and the deployment and testing of IEEE 802.11 white space devices that are capable of aggregating up to 4 TV channels, contiguously or non-contiguously. Our trial is the only deployment of these devices, developed at InterDigital in the USA, within the Ofcom TV White Spaces Pilot. This paper discusses the specifics of the InterDigital devices, including their design and capabilities. Further, results are presented highlighting what is possible in TVWS through contiguous aggregation. These results are achieved through per-channel allowed EIRP and capacity analyses based on feedback from a TVWS database within the Ofcom Pilot, using TVWS functionality developed at King's College London. Additional results outline the added benefit of optimal non-contiguous aggregation. Finally, this paper performs a like-for-like comparison of the performance of the InterDigital devices against what is theoretically possible in TVWS through capacity analyses using feedback from the TVWS database.

It is expected that the use of cognitive radio for smart grid communication will be indispensable in near future. Recently, RPL for cognitive radio enabled Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) networks is attractive. Our objective in this paper is to propose an enhance RPL to improve efficiency and reliability of cognitive radio enabled AMI networks. Our protocol is receiver-based in nature, which can achieve better reliability of the network along with protecting the primary users as well as meeting the utility requirements of secondary network. System level performance evaluation shows the effectiveness of proposed protocol as a viable solution for practical cognitive AMI networks.

TV White Spaces (TVWS) technology allows wireless devices to opportunistically use locally-available TV channels enabled by a geolocation database. The UK regulator Ofcom has initiated a pilot of TVWS technology in the UK. This paper concerns a large- scale series of trials under that pilot. The purposes are to test aspects of white space technology, including the white space device and geolocation database interactions, the validity of the channel availability/powers calculations by the database and associated interference effects on primary services, and the performances of the white space devices, among others. An additional key purpose is to perform research investigations such as on aggregation of TVWS resources with conventional resources and also aggregation solely within TVWS, secondary coexistence issues and means to mitigate such issues, and primary coexistence issues under challenging deployment geometries, among others. This paper provides an update on the trials, giving an overview of their objectives and characteristics, some aspects that have been covered, and some early results and observations.

Cooperative routing and spectrum aggregation are two promising techniques for Cognitive Radio Ad-Hoc Networks (CRAHNs). In this paper, we propose a spectrum aggregation-based cooperative routing protocol, termed as SACRP, for CRAHNs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first contribution on spectrum aggregation-based cooperative routing for CRAHNs. The primary objective of SACRP is to provide higher energy efficiency, improve throughput, and reduce network delay for CRAHNs. In this regard, we design the MAC and Physical (PHY) layer, and proposed different spectrum aggregation algorithms for cognitive radio (CR) users. We propose two different classes of routing protocols;Class Afor achieving higher energy efficiency and throughput, andClass Bfor reducing end-to-end latency. Based on stochastic geometry approach, we build a comprehensive analytical model for the proposed protocol. Besides, the proposed protocol is compared with the state of the art cooperative and non-cooperative routing algorithms with spectrum aggregation. Performance evaluation demonstrates the effectiveness of SACRP in terms of energy efficiency, throughput, and end-to-end delay.

This paper investigates energy and interference aware Cooperative Routing algorithms in Cognitive Radio Ad-Hoc Networks. Two routing algorithms have been proposed. In Algorithm I, we propose to minimize transmission power based on the rate required, and investigate the total transmission power consumption of the shortest path from source to destination whereby each link on the path is given the option of selecting a relay to further reduce transmission power. In Algorithm II, we consider Primary User (PU) receiver protection by reducing the fractional overlap area of each secondary node with the primary coverage area, and use the average interference probability to optimize route choice again allowing a cooperative relay to be chosen for each link on each possible path. Simulation results show that the proposed Algorithm I can achieve a transmission power saving of up to 30%, while Algorithm II can reduce interference probability for PU receivers by up to 6%.

This paper investigates the green or energy efficient operation of cellular access networks through dynamic spectrum and traffic load management techniques. Different energy saving techniques are discussed along with applications in realistic multi-cellular scenarios. The use of base station cooperation is discussed. The outage probability analysis is also discussed for different energy saving techniques in order to satisfy a particular Quality-of-Service (QoS) threshold for different services. The analysis is supported by different base station power consumption models, traffic models, and realistic statistics of different base stations in London, UK. Results show a considerable power saving potential of up to 65% or more in base station power.