Cognitive Radio for Multiple Heterogeneous Systems employing Smart Antennas

This project will examine how smart antennas can be used with small cell systems sharing pooled spectrum, with existing cellular networks. Spectrum assignment strategies will be developed which take into account dynamic changes in the beam pattern of both transmit and receive antennas. The impact of the degree of control information exchange required between the different systems, possibly owned by multiple operators will be addressed. The feasibility of software defined networking may be used to help organise and control such networks. The benefits and drawbacks of such an approach over conventional spectrum assignment methods will be evaluated. A mixture of simulation and analysis will be used to assess performance. Game theory and Markov analysis will be particularly important analytical tools.