Cognitive Radio Based Multi-User Resource Allocation in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks Using Multi-Carrier CDMA Modulation

In this paper, we propose a cognitive radio based multi-user resource allocation framework for mobile ad hoc networks using multi-carrier DS CDMA modulation over a frequency-selective fading channel. In particular, given preexisting communications in the spectrum where the system is operating, in addition to potential narrow-band interference, a channel sensing and estimation mechanism is provided to obtain information such as subcarrier availability, noise power and channel gain. Given this information, both frequency spectrum and power are allocated to emerging new users (i.e., cognitive radio users), based on a distributed multi-user resource allocation framework, in order to satisfy a target data rate and a power constraint of each cognitive radio user, while attempting to avoid interference to the existing communications as well as to minimize total power consumption of the cognitive radio users.