Efficient Algorithm Design of Dynamic Spectrum Access by Whittle Index

Abstract: This study addresses the dynamic spectrum access problem in a wireless sub-network that shares channels with a parent network. We approach the sequential channel allocation problem using a restless multi-armed bandits (RMAB) framework. Our objective is to maximize the expected discounted return over an infinite horizon while minimizing interference to the parent network caused by shared channels with the sub-network. Due to the unavailability of direct observations of the true channel state, we leverage the channel quality indicator (CQI) feedback provided by users. However, the RMAB problem is widely acknowledged as PSPACE-hard even for finite-state models. To overcome this challenge, we propose a closed-form channel index function using an iterative online approximation method to approximate the well-known Whittle index policy, which offers a low-complexity solution for ranking the available channels that has an infinite state space. Through extensive numerical simulation experiments, we demonstrate the superior performance and robustness of our proposed algorithm.