Integral equation methods for power control in cognitive radio

In this lecture the proposal that cognitive radios consult with a supporting network infrastructure to enable coexistence in the signal strength domain is examined. The network server would either grant or reject transmission requests by estimating, from the cognitive radio's geo-location, the likely impact its transmission would have on incumbents and other cognitive radio devices. This decision must be based on an accurate real-time radio environment map (REM) [1] which is kept up to date by readings from cognitive radios, sensors and dynamic radio propagation prediction. By this means the imperative of coexistence in the signal strength domain of cognitive radio technology can be satisfied. It is also shown that this approach also offers a means with which to detect physical-layer attacks. It is explained that Integral Equation-based propagation prediction algorithms are appropriate candidates for the dynamic propagation engine necessary for the purposes outlined above given their 'automatic' nature and that they can give results arbitrarily close to the exact numerical solution. The humanitarian relevance of cognitive radio is that where operated as infrastructureless networks they will provide telecommunications services to deprived areas and could prove vital in disaster recovery. Where there is network support cognitive radios will become cheaper as a result.