Multi-channel medium access using a virtual network coded control channel

In this paper we propose a Multi-Channel Medium Access scheme with the aim to enable efficient Dynamic Spectrum Access. Two are the remarkable features of our solution: first, it is completely distributed, and second, it does not need dedicated spectrum resources for control purposes, but rather it leverages on a virtual control channel which is implemented by having users exchange control information whenever they meet in a particular channel, and by retrieving the control information using Network Coding techniques. We carry out an evaluation study of the proposed solution to assess its performance with respect to different system and scenario parameters; the obtained results show that the proposed solution is feasible and suitable for implementation in real Dynamic Spectrum Access systems.