A system and method for converting a non-cognitive radio into a cognitive radio is presented. A cognitive radio system includes, a non-cognitive radio; an electronic device, a spectrum sensing logic and configuration and management logic. The electronic device is connected to the non-cognitive radio so that it receives and/or transmits messages to/from a wireless network. The configuration and management logic is connected between the non-cognitive radio and the spectrum sensing logic. The spectrum sensing logic and the configuration and management logic are removable from the non-cognitive radio allowing the cognitive radio to operate in a non-cognitive mode. The spectrum sensing logic senses a wireless environment to determine available frequencies and available channels. The configuration and management logic transmits available frequencies, available channels or other spectrum data to a remote spectrum manager that is managing access to the wireless network.