Cognitive radio: value creation and value migration

Abstract

This paper develops the concept of a telecommunications value-chain and explores the many ways in which the valuechain can be altered by reconfigurable software-defined radios, cognitive radios and cognitive networks. In cognitive radio terms, value creation can occur through increased functionality of devices, such as the alwaysconnected- anywhere feature of a cognitive radio for example. This value can migrate within the value-chain according the context in which the device is operating in, and the time-varying objectives of the system. However, this newly created value is not easily captured and the dynamics of value migration within the value chain are complex and difficult to manage. The design, test, manufacture, certification, maintenance and evolution of software-defined radio and cognitive radios, and the subsequent implications for the value-chain are explored. In addition, a scenario involving a network of cognitive radios and the subsequent impact on the value-chain will be investigated.