Competitive Spectrum Sharing in Wireless Networks: A Dynamic Non-cooperative Game Approach

“Game Theory” is a promising mathematical tool to improve the utilization of radio frequency spectrum in wireless networks. In this paper, we consider the problem of spectrum sharing between a primary user and a group of secondary users. We formulate our solution in such a way that one of the secondary users will be a secondary primary user by sharing the spectrum offered from the primary user and offer his share to be shared by the rest of the secondary users in the network. A theoretical non-cooperative game model is introduced to study node behavior in wireless networks based on their reputation. The only way for a node to guarantee a share in the spectrum is by enhancing its reputation, which is done by serving other nodes in the network. Game theory can be used by individual selfish nodes to determine their optimal strategy for participation level in the network. Furthermore, game theory produces information about the overall nature of nodes’ interaction and system efficiency, showing how system efficiency can be improved.