LarS-Net: A Large-Scale Framework for Network-Level Spectrum Sensing

TL;DR

LarS-Net is a large-scale, cost-effective spectrum sensing framework that enhances dynamic spectrum sharing by strategically deploying sensors in base stations, with detailed performance analysis for 6G candidate bands.

Contribution

This work introduces LarS-Net, a scalable network-level spectrum sensing framework with novel metrics and simulation-based analysis for large-scale deployment in 6G bands.

Findings

Minimum BSs for target detection probability determined via Monte Carlo simulations

Network metrics reveal impact of inter-site distance, noise, and duty-cycle on sensing performance

Framework supports efficient spectrum sharing in future wireless networks

Abstract

As the demand of wireless communication continues to rise, the radio spectrum (a finite resource) requires increasingly efficient utilization. This trend is driving the evolution from static, stand-alone spectrum allocation toward spectrum sharing and dynamic spectrum sharing. A critical element of this transition is spectrum sensing, which facilitates informed decision-making in shared environments. Previous studies on spectrum sensing and cognitive radio have been largely limited to individual sensors or small sensor groups. In this work, a large-scale spectrum sensing network (LarS-Net) is designed in a cost-effective manner. Spectrum sensors are either co-located with base stations (BSs) to share the tower, backhaul, and power infrastructure, or integrated directly into BSs as a new feature leveraging active BS antenna systems. As an example incumbent system, fixed service microwave link operating in the lower-7 GHz band is investigated. This band is a primary candidate for 6G, being considered by the WRC-23, ITU, and FCC. Based on Monte Carlo simulations, we determine the minimum subset of BSs equipped with sensing capability to guarantee a target incumbent detection probability. The simulations account for various sensor antenna configurations, propagation channel models, and duty cycles for both incumbent transmissions and sensing operations. Building on this framework, we introduce three network-level sensing performance metrics: Emission Detection Probability (EDP), Temporal Detection Probability (TDP), and Temporal Mis-detection Probability (TMP), which jointly capture spatial coverage, temporal detectability, and multi-node diversity effects. Using these metrics, we analyze the impact of LarS-Net inter-site distance, noise uncertainty, and sensing duty-cycle on large-scale sensing performance.