IRS-Aided Cyclostationary Spectrum Sensing in Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks

Green wireless communications aim to reduce the environmental impact of wireless communication systems while maintaining or improving their performance. One technique used in wireless communication systems is spectrum sensing which is an enabling technique that provides information on spectrum availability for cognitive radio. Cyclostationary spectrum sensing is a particular sensing approach that takes use of the built-in periodicities characteristic to most man-made signals. However, when channel fading conditions are severe, the interference can affect primary users and the wireless communication systems consume a significant amount of energy and generate greenhouse gas emissions, leading to various environmental and health impacts to maintain quality. To combat this issue, intelligent reflecting surface aided cyclostationary spectrum sensing is proposed. Cases where the line of sight between the primary user and its destination is known, were investigated. Receiver Output Characteristic curves were produced with and without the use of intelligent reflecting surfaces in cyclostationary spectrum sensing to determine if it retains the information from the primary user in severe channel fading conditions. Simulation results verify that the use of intelligent reflecting surfaces can improve the performance of cyclostationary detection for spectrum sensing.