A Cognitive CSMA-based Multichannel MAC Protocol for Cognitive Radio Networks

Multichannel media access control (MAC) protocols have been widely considered for future mobile ad hoc networks and various wireless data networks. However, ALOHA-based protocols have been extensively studied in current researches for their simplicities both in design and analysis. To cope with co-existing multiple systems under the cognitive radio (CR) paradigm, we introduce the cognition capability and CSMA into multichannel MAC protocol, along with learning functionality of CR and a multichannel stabilization mechanism. Via facilitating spectrum sensing, cognition and adaptation for probability of transmission attempt optimize the proposed cognitive CSMAbased multichannel MAC protocol. Simulation results validate our analysis of steady-state approximation and suggest a pertinent throughput improvement over existing multichannel MAC protocols.