An imperfect spectrum sensing-based multi-hop clustering routing protocol for cognitive radio sensor networks

Multi-hop clustering routing protocols are potential solutions to achieve effective and energy-efficient data delivery in cognitive radio sensor networks (CRSNs). Current clustering routing protocols for CRSNs generally assume perfect spectrum sensing, i.e., false alarm and missed detection are ignored, which may result in collisions with primary users and transmission failure or constrained spectrum usage. To alleviate the impact of imperfect spectrum sensing on network performance, an imperfect spectrum sensing-based multi-hop clustering routing protocol (ISSMCRP) is proposed for CRSNs in this paper. Cluster head (CH) and relay selection criteria are defined based on detection level function of available channels to help select CHs and relays with high spectrum sensing capability. Idle detection accuracy-based intra-cluster and inter-cluster channel selection criterion is proposed to promote successful intra-cluster and inter-cluster data delivery. In addition, control overhead introduced by CHs selection and cluster formation is strictly controlled, and reasonable cluster radii are set to manage the range of control information exchange, so as to reduce the energy consumption caused by control overhead. Simulation results show that compared with the existing clustering routing protocols for CRSNs, ISSMCRP gains obvious advantages in expanding the network lifespan and enhancing the network surveillance capability.