Testbeds and implementation issues

A Cognitive Radio (CR) system can be visualized as a complicated wireless communication system that involves a virtual engine (soul) and a platform (body). The engine is implemented based on a number of logical arguments in order to reason and negotiate with other wireless systems, aiming towards the optimum utilization of the spectrum while ensuring minimum disruption to existing wireless systems. This chapter focuses on the implementation of the cognitive engine in real world testbeds by reviewing existing testbeds and identifying their key features.