Abstract: Cognitive radio network (CRN) is an intelligent system that gives solution to underutilization of spectrum by detection of spectrum holes. For this purpose, important tasks including spectrum sensing, spectrum analysis and spectrum decision are required to be performed. Spectrum sensing is the crucial step as it provides fast and reliable detection of primary users (PU) and helps in evasion of disturbance to their transmission. Different methods of enhancements in local sensing scheme have been proposed in the literature. However, cooperative spectrum sensing schemes are preferred as they provide significant gains in CRN performance by countering shading effects. The consensus-based distributed cooperative spectrum sensing (CDCSS) scheme depends on energy detection for local sensing.

Keywords: Cognitive Radio, Spectrum Sensing, Cooperative Spectrum Sensing, Primary Users. Cognitive Radio Network.