Supported by NSF Grant CNS #1247941
Today's wireless networks are facing an emerging spectrum crisis due to increased demand. FCC
has recently allowed non-licensed devices to operate in the TV spectrum band, leading to cognitive radio networks
(CRNs). It is argued that CRNs result in a technical and economical conflict with the TV broadcast companies, which
own licenses to the TV spectrum. In this project, CRNs are considered as a business opportunity for broadcast
companies. The answer to the following question is sought: "Is it economically and technically viable for broadcast
companies to utilize TV white spaces for low-cost Internet provision and web-enabled TV services?" To facilitate the
involvement of broadcast companies in the cognitive radio business, the concept of cognitive radio-enabled TV set
(Cog-TV) is considered. Cog-TV provides low-cost access to the Internet and local area network capabilities. Cog-TVs
are assigned optimal spectrum sensing schedules to provide service differentiation capabilities through a novel
neighborhood watch concept. Dynamic pricing techniques are developed with the objective of distributing the
peak-time demand load. Moreover, the cost of building the Cog-TV infrastructure in urban and rural areas is analyzed
to determine its economic feasibility. Through this architecture, broadcast companies can leverage their channel
ownership to create a competitive advantage.
The results from this research are expected to enable
transformative and economically viable CRN development and management approaches. The Cog-TV concept has the
potential to bring affordable Internet service to a large group of American households and impact consumer market by
creating a niche market in new TV sets.