Performance analysis of spectrum sensing techniques in cognitive radio based vehicular ad hoc networks (VANET)

VANETs are vehicular ad hoc networks where vehicles are the transmitting nodes. The radio channels through which these nodes send messages are valuable resources which need to be used diligently. These resources need to be shared fairly among all. To facilitate equal sharing of the radio channels cognitive radio is used. Cognitive radio is capable of sensing the channels and utilizing them. Spectrum sensing is an essential part of cognitive radio which helps in identifying the free channels and allocate them to the nodes who want to use these channels. In this paper we have analyzed the performance of three essential spectrum sensing techniques, namely, cooperative spectrum sensing, distributive spectrum sensing and fuzzy distributed spectrum sensing. We have compared these spectrum sensing techniques to determine their efficiency‥ We have done this by comparing their efficiency to locate free channels, speed and mode of operation. We have also recorded our findings and illustrated those using graphs.