Context:

Access to wireless networks is a process in which multiple agents intervene, so it is practical and interesting to perform a multi-user analysis.

Objective:

To evaluate a spectral allocation algorithm in cognitive wireless networks that allows simulating environments with multiple secondary users that access the spectrum simultaneously.

Methodology:

The spectral assignment is performed by evaluating for each secondary user the spectral routes found with an adaptation of the Colony algorithm of Artificial Bees. Validation is performed based on actual spectral occupation data captured in a measurement campaign.

Results:

Based on the results of simulations of the cognitive network with multiple secondary users using the proposed algorithm, parameters of interest of the algorithm's performance are evaluated, such as the bee population for the evaluation time, number of total handoffs and execution time.

Conclusions:

The performance of the algorithm is acceptable with respect to the execution time and the number of total handoffs, however, there is a tenden cy to increase spectral handoffs as the number of secondary users in the cognitive radio network increases, so a high number of secondary users decreases network performance.