Abstract:
Cognitive radio networks (CRN), in their quest to become the preferred next-generation wireless communication
paradigm, will depend heavily on their ability to efficiently manage the limited resources at their disposal in meeting
the demands of their numerous users and driving their operations. As a result, a considerable amount of research
work has been recently dedicated to investigating and developing resource allocation (RA) models that capture the
essentials of CRN. The various ideas put forward by researchers to address RA problems in CRN have been somewhat
diverse, and somehow, there seem to be no links that bring cohesion and clarity of purpose and ideas. To address this
problem and bridge the gap, in this paper, a comprehensive study on the prevalent techniques developed for
addressing RA problems in CRN is carried out, with an intent to put some structure, relevance and meaning to the
various solution approaches. The solution models are therefore grouped and/or classified based on certain
outstanding criteria, and their strengths and weaknesses highlighted. Open-ended problems are identified, and
suggestions for improving solution models are given. The study therefore gives good directions for further
investigations on developing RA solutions in CRN.