  Vandermonde-subspace frequency division multiplexing (VFDM) is an overlay
spectrum sharing technique for cognitive radio. VFDM makes use of a precoder
based on a Vandermonde structure to transmit information over a secondary
system, while keeping an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing
(OFDM)-based primary system interference-free. To do so, VFDM exploits
frequency selectivity and the use of cyclic prefixes by the primary system.
Herein, a global view of VFDM is presented, including also practical aspects
such as linear receivers and the impact of channel estimation. We show that
VFDM provides a spectral efficiency increase of up to 1 bps/Hz over cognitive
radio systems based on unused band detection. We also present some key design
parameters for its future implementation and a feasible channel estimation
protocol. Finally we show that, even when some of the theoretical assumptions
are relaxed, VFDM provides non-negligible rates while protecting the primary
system.
