Optimization of Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Cluster-Based Cognitive Radio Networks with Soft Data Fusion

This paper addresses the sensing-throughput tradeoff problem by using cluster-based cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) schemes in two-layer hierarchical cognitive radio networks (CRNs) with soft data fusion. The problem is formulated as a combinatorial optimization problem involving both discrete and continuous variables. To simplify the solution, a reasonable weight fusion rule (WFR) is first optimized. Thus, the problem devolves into a constrained discrete optimization problem. In order to efficiently and effectively resolve this problem, a lexicographical approach is presented that solving two optimal subproblems consecutively. Moreover, for the first optimal subproblem, a closed-form solution is deduced, and an optimal clustering scheme (CS) is also presented for the second optimal subproblem. Numerical results show that the proposed approach achieves a satisfying performance and low complexity.