Due to the increasing demand for spectrum resources, cognitive radio networks and dynamic spectrum access draw a lot of research into efficiently utilizing limited spectrum resources. To set up cluster-based CR ad-hoc common channels, conventional methods require a relatively long time to successfully exchange the initialization messages. In this paper, we propose a fast and reliable common channel initialization protocol for CR ad-hoc networks. In the proposed method, the cluster head

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... lly broadcasts a system activation signal through its available channels with a predetermined correlation pattern. To detect the cluster head's broadcasting channels and to join the cluster, each member node implements fast Fourier transform (FFT) and computes autocorrelation of an FFT bin sequence for each available channel of the member node. This is compared to the predetermined reference pattern. The join request and channel decision procedures are also presented in this paper. In a simulation study, the performance of the proposed method is evaluated. A preliminary version of this paper appeared in ICUFN 2015, Sapporo, Japan, July 2015. This version includes a concrete analysis, protocol details and performance evaluations for various wireless cahnnel conditions. This work was supported by a grant-in-aid of HANHWA THALES.