Cooperative Learning for Spectrum Management in Railway Cognitive Radio Network

Abstract

High-speed rail public broadband wireless access requires communication terminals with high mobility to perform seamless cell switching in a harsh and fast time-varying environment. However, frequent switching caused by fast motion inevitably leads to unpredictable high volatility of the available spectrum, resulting in inefficient wireless communication. The application of highly mobile cognitive radio technology may address this challenge. This paper first analyzes the physical structure of the existing railway wireless communication network, and determines the characteristics of chainlike distribution and cascade operation of the base stations along the railway. Furthermore, using Bayesian reinforcement learning and multi-agent theory, a distributed cognitive base station model suitable for railway wireless environment is constructed. Based on the joint spectrum management of cascaded base station groups, this model proposes a multi-agent coordination algorithm with the goal of global optimal communication performance of the entire rail line. Finally, this paper evaluates the network performance of various test scenarios, and proves that the cognitive base station multi-agent cascade cooperative system can significantly increase the probability of successful data transmission and greatly reduce wireless spectrum handovers. This proposed scheme provides a brand-new solution for solving the problem of low wireless spectrum efficiency in the typical railway wireless network.