Abstract
The rapid expansion of 5G optical networks demands advanced spectrum sensing techniques to maximize radio frequency spectrum utilization and support diverse applications. Intelligent hybrid spectrum sensing integrates multiple sensing methodologies, such as energy detection, matched filtering, and cyclostationary feature detection, with machine learning algorithms to enhance detection accuracy, reduce latency, and improve network performance. By leveraging historical data, machine learning enables adaptive decision-making, predicting spectrum availability in real-time while dynamically adjusting to varying signal conditions. This hybrid approach overcomes the limitations of individual techniques, such as sensitivity to noise and high computational complexity, by optimizing the sensing process and ensuring reliable spectrum access. Furthermore, intelligent hybrid spectrum sensing facilitates the coexistence of licensed and unlicensed users, mitigating interference and enhancing spectrum efficiency. This capability is crucial for supporting high-speed data transmission, ultra-low latency communication, and emerging applications like autonomous systems, smart cities, and the Internet of Things (IoT). As 5G networks evolve toward higher-order modulation schemes, such as 256-QAM, robust spectrum sensing becomes increasingly vital in maintaining network reliability and efficiency. The implementation of intelligent hybrid spectrum sensing in optical 5G networks ensures enhanced spectral efficiency, seamless connectivity, and improved network resilience, making it a key enabler for future wireless communication advancements.
-
Research ethics: Not applicable.
-
Informed consent: Not applicable.
-
Author contributions: The authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
-
Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: Not applicable.
-
Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
-
Research funding: Not applicable.
-
Data availability: Not applicable.
References
1. Kockaya, K, Develi, I. Spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks: threshold optimization and analysis. J Wireless Com Network 2020:255. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13638-020-01870-7.Search in Google Scholar
2. Muzaffar, MU, Sharqi, R. A review of spectrum sensing in modern cognitive radio networks. Telecommun Syst 2024;85:347–63. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11235-023-01079-1.Search in Google Scholar
3. Kumar, A, Gaur, N, Chakravarty, S, Alsharif, MH, Uthansakul, P, Uthansakul, M. Analysis of spectrum sensing using deep learning algorithms: CNNs and RNNs. Ain Shams Eng J 2024;15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2023.102505.Search in Google Scholar
4. Liu, C, Liu, X, Liang, Y-C. Deep CNN for spectrum sensing in cognitive radio. In: ICC 2019 – 2019 IEEE international conference on communications (ICC). Shanghai, China; 2019:1–6 pp.10.1109/ICC.2019.8761360Search in Google Scholar
5. Kumar, A, Kaur, R, Gaur, N, Nanthaamornphong, A. Exploring and analyzing the role of hybrid spectrum sensing methods in 6G-based smart health care applications [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]. F1000Research 2024;13:110. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.144624.Search in Google Scholar
6. Goyal, SB, Bedi, P, Kumar, J, Varadarajan, V. Deep learning application for sensing available spectrum for cognitive radio: an ECRNN approach. Peer-to-Peer Netw Appl 2021;14:3235–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12083-021-01169-4.Search in Google Scholar
7. Kumar, A, Gaur, N, Chaitra, SN, Chakravarty, S, Nanthaamornphong, A. Analyzing the role of spectrum sensing for security enhancement in beyond 5G waveforms using energy detection. J Discrete Math Sci Cryptogr 2024;27:215–22. https://doi.org/10.47974/JDMSC-1875.Search in Google Scholar
8. Zeng, Y, Liang, YC. Spectrum-sensing algorithms for cognitive radio based on statistical covariances. IEEE Trans Veh Technol 2009;58:1804–15. https://doi.org/10.1109/TVT.2008.2005267.Search in Google Scholar
9. Kumar, A, Gaur, N, Nanthaamornphong, A. Optimizing PAPR, BER, and PSD efficiency: using phase factors generated by bacteria foraging algorithm for PTS and SLM methods. IEEE Access 2024;12:54964–77. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3389823.Search in Google Scholar
10. Kishore, KK, Rajasekaran, AS, Keshta, I, Byeon, H, Bhatt, MW, Irshad, A, et al.. Retracted article: Intelligent dynamic spectrum access using fuzzy logic in cognitive radio networks. Discov Appl Sci 2024;6:18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-024-05641-7.Search in Google Scholar
11. Kumar, A, Gaur, N, Nanthaamornphong, A. Hybrid spectrum sensing using neural network–based MF and ED for enhanced detection in Rayleigh channel. J Electr Comput Eng 2025;2025:9506922. https://doi.org/10.1155/jece/9506922.Search in Google Scholar
12. Kumar, A, Nanthaamornphong, A. Analysis of 6G and B5G waveforms using hybrid MF-ED and ECG-ED spectrum sensing techniques. Automatika 2025;66:133–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/00051144.2025.2460879.Search in Google Scholar
© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston