Dynamic Cross-layer Routing Using Cognitive Spectrum Allocation Techniques

ABSTRACT: The ultimate objective of the joint effort is to develop technology that will enable next-generation cognitive wireless networking between USAF space, air, and ground assets and achieve significant improvement in network throughput, delay, and reliability. Current practices that evolve around standard ad hoc networking techniques based on the layered protocol stack with fixed spectrum allocation are known to offer inadequate throughput and reliability in highly dynamic adversarial communication environments such as the space/air/ground USAF domain. The objective of this project is therefore to investigate, study, and demonstrate a completely new approach to joint routing and spectrum allocation. While the core of cognitive radio network proposals rely on the notion of spectrum hole, i.e., radios attempt to find a single unused band which can be opportunistically used by secondary users, in the work outlined in this report cognitive users transmit wideband spread-spectrum signals that are designed to adaptively avoid the interference dynamics of the available spectrum at the receiver. BENEFIT: If we are successful, we will implement and demonstrate the dynamic network control technology that will be instrumental towards developing the next generation cognitive networking technology between USAF space, air, and ground assets and achieve a significant improvement in network throughput, delay, and reliability.