Energy-efficient spectrum sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks by coordinated reduction of the sensing users

One of the main challenges in Cognitive Radio Networks (CRN) is the high energy consumption during the spectrum sensing stage, especially employing a cooperative approach. The algorithm proposed in this paper aims to reduce the energy consumption while maintaining the probability of detection and false alarm probability to the desired thresholds. The algorithm is based on decreasing the number of sensing users using a simple and practical approach. The performance of our approach is then compared in terms of energy efficiency with the different data fusion rules available in the literature. As a result, more than 95% energy saving can be achieved, as shown through mathematical equations and confirmed by simulation results.