Optimal power allocation for cognitive radio networks with relay‐assisted directional transmission

In this paper, the problem of power allocation in a cooperative cognitive radio (CR) network is investigated. An optimal power allocation is proposed to maximize efficiency of the secondary network in which secondary users transmit simultaneously over a spectral band assigned to the primary users. The CR network employs directional relays to improve efficiency of the communication links and minimize interference introduced to the primary users. Unlike the conventional cooperative relay‐assisted network, the directional relays are grouped in clusters. This clustering technique along with directional transmission can significantly reduce interference to the primary links and improve the system performance. Two algorithms are also developed on the basis of the penalty method to determine unknown transmission powers. Some corroborant numerical examples are provided to illustrate quick convergence behavior of the proposed algorithms and great superiority of employing clustered directional relays in cooperative CR networks. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.