Energy Efficiency Metrics in Cognitive Radio Networks: A Hollistic Overview

Due to the explosive progression in the number of users for new generation wireless communication networks which includes cognitive radio networks, energy efficiency has been a fundamental factor affecting its development and performance.  In order to adeptly access and analyze the energy efficiency of a cognitive radio network, a standardized metric for this purpose is required. As a starting point, in this article we provided an analysis for energy efficiency metrics of a cognitive radio network in respect to its design and operation. The performance metrics and metrics developed at the different levels of a cognitive radio network are also studied. Establishing a comprehensive metric for evaluating, measuring and reporting the energy efficiency of cognitive radio networks is a crucial step in achieving an energy-efficient cognitive radio network.