Book excerpt: The author presents a unified treatment of this highly interdisciplinary topic to help define the notion of cognitive radio. The book begins with addressing issues such as the fundamental system concept and basic mathematical tools such as spectrum sensing and machine learning, before moving on to more advanced concepts and discussions about the future of cognitive radio. From the fundamentals in spectrum sensing to the applications of cognitive algorithms to radio communications, and discussion of radio platforms and testbeds to show the applicability of the theory to practice, the author aims to provide an introduction to a fast moving topic for students and researchers seeking to develop a thorough understanding of cognitive radio networks. Examines basic mathematical tools before moving on to more advanced concepts and discussions about the future of cognitive radio Describe the fundamentals of cognitive radio, providing a step by step treatment of the topics to enable progressive learning Includes questions, exercises and suggestions for extra reading at the end of each chapter Topics covered in the book include: Spectrum Sensing: Basic Techniques; Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Wideband Spectrum Sensing; Agile Transmission Techniques: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Multiple Input Multiple Output for Cognitive Radio; Convex Optimization for Cognitive Radio; Cognitive Core (I): Algorithms for Reasoning and Learning; Cognitive Core (II): Game Theory; Cognitive Radio Network IEEE 802.22: The First Cognitive Radio Wireless Regional Area Network Standard, and Radio Platforms and Testbeds.