Multi-channel multi-stage spectrum sensing: Link layer performance and energy consumption

We present a cross-layer analysis of multi-stage spectrum sensing protocols used in multi-channel Opportunistic Spectrum Access (OSA) communication. By developing a novel analytical tool, we are able to assess the energy consumed by OSA communication. Furthermore, we present the relationship between the energy consumption of the multi-stage spectrum sensing protocol, the average throughput of OSA communication and the collision probability between the primary and secondary users. The analysis framework takes the following factors into consideration: number of sensing stages, primary and secondary user traffic, physical layer sensing techniques and sensing time, as well as detailed description of transmit, receive and sensing circuitry. We conclude that multi-stage spectrum sensing is beneficial from the energy consumption and throughput standpoint. In specific, by controlling the sensing time and the number of sensing stages, the multi-stage spectrum sensing protocol can reduce the energy consumption while meeting required throughput and collision constraints.