Energy-aware resource allocation for cooperative cognitive radio dynamic spectrum access networks

Abstract The resource allocation problem is investigated for cooperative cognitive radio networks, considering energy efficiency of the primary users (PUs) and spectrum efficiency of the secondary users (SUs). The cooperation framework involves a PU selecting a SU as the relay and allocating the spectrum access intervals for the selected SU as a reward. The above sequential decision procedure is formulated as a Stackelberg game. Based on the knowledge of the effects of PUs decision on the behavior of a SU, the leader (PU) determines a fraction of the time slot duration to be used for the primary. The follower (SU) is allowed to transmit its own data to the corresponding receiver in the remaining duration and determines its optimal transmission power. The outcomes of the proposed cooperative resource allocation scheme, including primary user and secondary user power control, as well as dynamic access spectrum, are analyzed. Numerical results demonstrate that, with the proposed resource allocation scheme, the PU can achieve high energy saving by cooperation with the SU.