Advantages of Cognitive Radio | disadvantages of Cognitive Radio
This page covers advantages and disadvantages of Cognitive Radio. It mentions Cognitive Radio advantages or benefits and Cognitive Radio disadvantages or drawbacks. It also describes Cognitive Radio basics.
What is Cognitive Radio?
Introduction:
It uses SDR (Software Defined Radio) architecture.
In SDR, single radio might be configured to work on different bands, frequencies or
different technologies. The configuration can be changed as per need.
In SDR architecture, software can change following.
• Physical layer modules e.g. security, modulation, processing etc.
• RF frequencies, power levels etc.
• Waveform characteristics

The cognitive radio is aware of its surroundings and intelligently adapts to new waveform after evaluating different options. It improves performance of both under utilized spectrums and congested spectrums. Refer Cognitive Radio basics >>.
Benefits or advantages of Cognitive Radio
Following are the benefits or advantages of Cognitive Radio:
➨It offers better spectrum utilization and efficiency.
➨It improves link reliability.
➨It is lower in cost.
➨It uses advanced network topologies.
➨It has simple network architecture.
➨It is easy in configuration and easy to upgrade.
➨It is less in complexity.
Drawbacks or disadvantages of Cognitive Radio
Following are the disadvantages of Cognitive Radio:
➨There is no complete automation and it requires user intervention for
any changes to be implemented.
➨It always requires multi band antenna.
➨Security concern: There are more chances open for attackers in cognitive radio
technology compare to traditional wireless networks.
The data may be eavesdropped or altered without notice. The channel might be jammed
or overused by the adversaries.
➨QoS (Quality of Service) in Cognitive radio is affected due to
its adverse effects.
➨Translation of observations into actions is a big challenge in
cognitive radio.
Advantages and Disadvantages of other wireless technologies
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