Security landscape of cognitive radio networks

Abstract

Cognitive Radio Network(CRN) is the evolution of Radio Networks and is considered as future of Radio connectivity. CRN is characterized by its heterogeneous nature where smart radios (Cognitive Radios - CR) are interconnected to interact among themselves and with their environment. In CRN paradigm, when Cognitive Radios are provided with access to spectrum holes "White Spaces" then it becomes CRN with the aim to exploit underutilized spectral space. Various standard bodies and consortium are contributing to standardizing CRN protocols and communication technologies. Unlike traditional Radios, Radio Networks and Software Defined Radios (SDR), CRN are designed to perform prescribed functionality by employing needed resources opportunistically to keep procurement and implementation cost low. The Cognitive Radio(CR) concept is leading the way in harnessing full potential of frequency spectrum by equipping wireless devices with auto adaptability of operating parameters based on the radio environment for efficient and opportunistic utilization of the scarce radio frequency (RF) spectrum. It is bringing about a paradigm shift in how frequency spectrum could be utilized for greater efficiency and convenience by enabling unlicensed access to licensed spectral space for solving the spectrum scarcity. Where Cognitive Radios have enormous potential, they also pose many a security challenge because of devices in the network which are invasive in nature. This thesis concentrates on attacks and provides a comprehensive review of those attacks on CR and within CRN with consolidation of the methods to execute those attacks and the solutions to mitigate those attacks.