Radio Environment Map as Enabler for Practical Cognitive Radio Networks

Latest regulations on TV white space communications and emerging trends of spectrum access through geolocation databases relax the regulatory constraints on Cognitive Radios (CRs). Geolocation databases are designed to store information related to incumbents, and CRs are envisioned to consult this database before spectrum access. Spectrum occupancy and related environment information can be constructed using these geolocation databases. In that regard, Radio Environment Map (REM) is a promising tool that provides a practical means for the realization of cognitive radio networks (CRNs). It constructs a comprehensive map of the CRN by utilizing multi-domain information from geolocation databases, characteristics of spectrum use, geographical terrain models, propagation environment, and regulations. REMs contribute to cognition engines by building long-term knowledge via processing spectrum measurements collected from sensors to estimate the state of locations where there is no measurement data. In addition, REM utilizes feedback from the CRs and can apply various learning tools. The vision is to design CRNs such that CRs, though being simple devices without advanced cognitive functionalities, can become cognitive via REMs and operate in an efficient manner. In this paper, an overview of the REM concept is presented in various dimensions ranging from its architecture and stored information to REM construction techniques as well as REM quality metrics.