The problem of waveform construction for mobile ad hoc networks with cognitive radio (MANET-CR) is discussed. This is the main limitation to widely use this very attractive technique, which does not need the deployment of expensive communication infrastructure. Two main questions correspond to MANET-CR effectiveness: spectrum sensing and spectrum sharing. The paper presents the structure of CR nodes that enables Opportunistic Spectrum Sharing. Procedures for advanced Dynamic Spectrum Management together with the concept of policy-based radio and a sensing method are presented. In the proposed system, the basic policy is to avoid interference generated by other users or jammers. The experiments were performed in a real environment, using the elaborated testbed. The results show that the use of sensing and cognitive management mechanisms enable more efficient use of the spectrum while maintaining reasonable overhead values related to the management procedures.
Keywords: ad hoc network testbed; cognitive radio; dynamic spectrum management; spectrum sensing; waveform.