White-Space Sensing Device for Detecting Vacant Channels in TV Bands

Measurements performed at several locations clearly show that frequency spectrum is under-utilized. Cognitive radio is a strong candidate to ensure better spectrum utilization by providing access in an opportunistic manner. Simulations performed on the algorithm that we proposed show promising results in sensing vacant channels in TV bands. Here we present the work, which implements the algorithm on a real-time prototype, and measure its sensing performance in actual environments. Results show that our algorithm is robust under realistic conditions. This confirmation will give much needed confidence in the capability of cognitive radio systems to detect the operation of primary users and protect their use of spectrum.