Deep Q-learning-based resource allocation for solar-powered users in cognitive radio networks

Abstract

This paper considers uplink solar-powered cognitive radio networks (CRNs) where multiple secondary users (SUs) transmit data to a secondary base station (SBS) by sharing a licensed channel of a primary system. A deep Q-learning (DQL) algorithm, which combines non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and time division multiple access (TDMA) techniques, is proposed to maximize the long-term throughput of the system. By using our scheme, the agent (i.e. the SBS) can obtain the optimal decision by interacting with the environment to learn about system dynamics. Simulation results validate the superiority of the performance under the proposed scheme, compared with traditional schemes.

Keywords

• NOMA
• Energy harvesting
• Throughput maximization
• Deep Q-learning
• Power allocation