Distributed spectrum and power control in cognitive radio based wireless ad hoc networks

In this paper, we propose a cognitive radio-based multi-user resource allocation framework for mobile ad hoc networks using multi-carrier DS CDMA modulation over a frequency-selective fading channel. In particular, given pre-existing communications in the spectrum where the system is operating, in addition to potential narrow-band interference, a channel sensing and estimation mechanism is provided to obtain information such as subcarrier availability, noise power and channel gain. Both frequency spectrum and power are allocated to emerging new users (i.e., cognitive radio users), based on the distributed multi-user resource allocation framework, in order to satisfy the target data rate and the power constraint of each cognitive radio user, while attempting to avoid interference to the existing users as well as minimize total power consumption of the network.