The non-availability of the radio spectrum for the purpose of communication, despite its omnipresence, is much like the popular quote of Samuel Taylor: “Water, water everywhere.” A sense of artificial scarcity of the spectrum is often created by regulatory bodies while earmarking portions of the spectrum for specific purposes. The crucial role of radiating power vis-à-vis effective range of radio waves is often left untouched, leading to a scramble for a share of the spectrum. This book is a highly insightful offering that opens up ways of informing potential researchers on: (a) how to overcome artificial scarcity of the radio spectrum while designing cooperative radio communication networks; (b) how to optimize its performance; and (c) how to test or evaluate the performance of cognitive radio communication networks.

Fifteen carefully selected interrelated papers are knit together to provide a holistic solution to the issue, covering security aspects as well. Cognitive radio networks approach the problem of spectrum scarcity by making use of dynamic spectrum access. The network would then be capable of sensing a priori the presence of radio spectrum, and could then intelligently use a portion of the spectrum without interfering with any of the existing radio networks that could be active within its vicinity.

Each paper is presented as a chapter. Chapters 1 to 7 discuss various approaches to spectrum sensing. Chapter 8 discusses medium access control (MAC) protocols specific to cognitive radio networks. Chapters 9 to 12 are about devices and techniques involved in the design and deployment of cognitive radio networks and the parameters to be selected for optimizing performance. Chapter 13 presents threat perception to cognitive radio networks, while chapter 14 is aimed at reducing energy consumption by the network. Chapter 15 offers various options for test beds that could be used to test and evaluate cognitive radio networks, and is the concluding chapter of the book.

Spectrum usage involves legal issues, which differ by country. This book does not focus on these, but their coverage could be a useful addendum to a future edition. Additionally, microwave communication interferes with the bipolar nature of water molecules, causing them to heat up, a property made use of in microwave ovens. There are no such warnings that inform readers of any such adverse effects of microwave communication on water-bearing forms of life.

The book would be highly beneficial as a reference for research institutions and individuals working with cognitive radio communication networks or allied areas.