Improved hole detection simulation using power spectral density for the implementation of cognitive radio

This paper explores the possibility of fast and automatic hole detection using improved half wave power spectral detection. A radio that can sense and understand its local radio spectrum environment, to identify temporarily vacant spectrum and use it, has the potential to provide higher bandwidth services, increase spectrum efficiency and minimize the need for centralized spectrum management. In an independent study conducted by Shared Spectrum Company (SSC) in an urban environment (Ireland) found that only an average of 13% of the radio frequency spectrum is used. This represents wastage, particularly to other applications that are desirous to use the particular band of frequency. Using the improved spectral power detection method, a secondary application in a controlled environment is developed and tested using real-time data obtained via the discone antenna and routed to the computer via the GPIB. The computer program detects the hole using the improved half-wave power detection algorithm and the time taken for data acquisition is matched with the typical method of power detection. The result shows a significant increase in speed over conventional methods. A speed increase could increase bandwidth throughput and allow fuzzy networks and other algorithm to provide autonomous detection and utilization for secondary applications.