Handoff management in cognitive radio networks: concepts, protocols, metrics and challenges

Abstract

In Cognitive Radio (CR) networks, Secondary Users (SUs) use the unused spectrum bands. Once the band of the spectrum, which is occupied by the SU, is claimed by a Primary user (PU), the SU transfers its data transmission into another empty band of the spectrum. Changing the operation frequency is called spectrum handoff. During the spectrum handoff, the SUs transfer their ongoing calls to an unused spectrum band upon the presence of the PU. In this paper, we investigate a brief overview of spectrum mobility and handoff management in cognitive radio. The main concepts, protocols, and tools are also proposed in this literature. We also introduce the concept of integrated mobility and handoff management. In addition, we illustrate the most challenging and open issues of spectrum mobility and handoff management in CR networks.