Resource-aware Rendezvous Algorithm for Cognitive Radio Networks

The cognitive radio (CR) technology enables to utilize the unused licensed spectrum bands (spectrum holes). However, whenever licensed users present, CR network has to give the right to licensed users, and look for another spectrum hole. Thus, when the spectrum holes are frequently changing, it is hard for CR network to keep the control channel for exchanging control information between two communicating nodes alive. In this paper, we address rendezvous algorithm in CR network with centralized control. We propose the resource-aware rendezvous algorithm which is based on the novel spectrum hole management scheme. Unlike conventional rendezvous algorithm, our proposed algorithm can establish the control channel between base station and CR node even when direct spectrum band between them is not available. By adding a simple relay function, it is possible to keep the communication services in CR networks more stable.