Abstract: In this paper，a novel wireless network named Wireless Cognitive Networks（WCN） is put forward，which is based on cognitive capacity.After the definition of WCN is given，the cognitive entity，cognitive process and cognitive environment are discussed in detail.Four control layers of WCN is proposed，which is correlative with each other：entity layer，network layer，cognition layer and control layer.Then，the characters of WCN and the technical challenges are analyzed.The classification of WCN is given from three aspects：infrastructure，architecture and node character.After that，the paper proposes the minimum cross-layer design principle and information exchange method of WCN，and a four-layer software architecture，which consists of basic layer，network adapter layer，application development environment layer and application logic layer.At the end of the paper，the instance of WCN is discussed with cognitive radio networks，which is the unique instance of WCN.

Key words: cognitive networks, wireless networks, concept, classification, architecture, instance

摘要： 提出了一种新的、以认知能力为基础的无线网络，称为无线认知网络。对无线认知网络进行了定义，对认知实体、认知进程和认知环境进行了分析和讨论，提出了无线认知网络的实体、网络、认知和控制4个关联层面，对无线认知网络的特点进行了阐述，并给出了技术上的挑战。在此基础上，从基础设施、层次结构和节点性质3个方面对无线认知网络进行了分类研究，在给出最小跨层设计原则与信息交换方法的基础上，提出了由基础层、网络适配层、应用开发环境层和应用逻辑层组成的4层软件体系结构。最后结合无线认知网络目前的惟一实例－认知无线电网络，对无线认知网络的实例化问题进行了讨论。

关键词: 认知网络, 无线网络, 概念, 分类, 体系结构, 实例