A survey on spectrum sensing algorithms for cognitive radio networks

Cognitive radio (CR) has emerged as one of the most promising candidate solutions to answer the spectrum scarcity problem. Spectrum sensing is an essential task in improving spectrum utilization efficiency. This paper constitutes a brief survey of CR sensing algorithms along with the corresponding CR system characteristics as well as the techniques that enhance sensing parameters. Special attention is paid to the use of sub-Nyquist techniques, including compressive sensing (CS). Conclusions and future challenges in spectrum sensing in CR are further provided.