Entropy-Based Spectrum Sensing for Cognitive Radio Networks Using Machine Learning and Software Defined Radio

Ernesto Cadena Muñoz, Diego Armando Giral, César Hernández Suárez

Efficient spectrum sensing remains a main challenge for Cognitive Radio Networks (CRNs), especially in a wireless environment where methods like energy detection have high uncertainty. This work proposes an entropy-based spectrum-sensing system enhanced with machine-learning algorithms and implemented on a Software-Defined Radio (SDR) platform for real scenario testing. Entropy measures, such as Shannon and Rényi entropies, are used as discriminative features to distinguish occupied and idle frequency bands and release the channel if needed. Machine learning classifiers have achieved good results. In this research, Support Vector Machines (SVMs), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNNs), and Random Forests (RFs) are used with data captured via a GNU Radio and the Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP)-based SDR testbed. The experimental results demonstrate a probability of detection (Pd) above 0.9 and a false alarm rate (Pfa) below 0.1, indicating a substantial improvement over the classical energy detector of more than 20% for some signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values. The integration of entropy metrics with machine learning (ML) models enables a dynamic detection in variable spectral environments, providing a practical framework for CRNs.