Sensing Coverage and Connectivity in Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks

Sensing coverage of a field of interest and connectivity are two very important performance measures in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Existing design methodologies and protocols for enhanced field sensing coverage and connectivity in WSNs are not directly applicable to Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks (CRSNs) due to their cognitive nature. In this chapter, the authors first review sensing coverage and connectivity models for traditional WSNs. Then, they propose novel approaches for sensing coverage and connectivity establishment in CRSN, benefiting from useful existing models from WSN and Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks (CRAHNs). Proposed approaches span a wide variety of CRSN requirements and also point out open research problems in the field to guarantee sufficient sensing coverage quality and connectivity in CRSN.</p