Securing cognitive radio networks (CRNs): A bibliometric review

Cognitive radio technology offers promising potential to address the growing scarcity of radio spectrum by intelligently and dynamically accessing underutilized frequency bands. This adaptability allows for efficient spectrum utilization, reduced interference, and improved network performance, making it a vital component for future wireless communication systems and emerging applications. The cognitive radio network (CRN) continues to face challenges in the areas of spectrum management and security. With the continuous development and advancement of wireless communication systems, the security challenges associated with CRN are increasing. In recent years, there has been a significant demand for advanced security features in CRNs. This led to an increase in the publication of literature on this important and widely recognized issue, both for the purpose of enhancing understanding and for functional considerations. However, it remains unclear how far and in what direction CRN security research has progressed. This study attempts to comprehensively examine the current state of research pertaining to the security of CRNs with the aim of addressing this concern. Out of 1506 publications obtained from the Scopus database, 458 articles are screened, and a bibliometric analysis is performed on those articles. Using the Biblioshiny and VOSviewer tools, thorough descriptive and network analysis of bibliometric data produced some astonishing findings. The results support the idea that CRN security is essential for achieving the goal of efficient and secure spectrum utilization. This study deepens our comprehension of academic literature and conceptual development, shedding light on how to build a solid conceptual footing and chart the course for future research.