The implementation of the Cognitive Radio Energy Smart Transitivity

Spectrum scarcity is one of the major challenges facing Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs). To address this challenge, a new technology called Cognitive Radio has been introduced which has led to the establishment of Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks (CRAHNs). CRAHNs are networks which consist of two types of users accessing the spectrum: The primary users and secondary users. The secondary users access the spectrum opportunistically when primary users are idle. However, routing in Intermittent CRAHNs (ICRAHNs) is a challenge due to unavailability of guaranteed routing paths due to intermittent availability of spectrum. Nodes in intermittent CRHANs are therefore forced to buffer packets for extended periods while alternative routing paths are being discovered. The buffering of packets causes delay and high packet drop rate which degrades the performance of the network. The existing algorithms designed for ICRAHNs do not address these challenges. This paper introduces a new routing protocol which is based on spectrum and energy awareness called the Cognitive Radio Energy Smart Transitivity (CREST).