Performance of decode-and-forward cooperative communications with multiple dual-hop relays over nakagami-m fading channels

In this letter, we examine the symbol-error-rate (SER) performance of decode-and-forward (DF) cooperative communications. Our focus is on the scenario in which multiple dual-hop relays are employed and the channel environment is described by Nakagami-m fading. Cooperative diversity is observed from the derived error-rate expressions, and some insight into how channel conditions in the relay nodes affect the SER performance is obtained. In addition, with the knowledge of the partial channel state information (CSI) at the transmitting sides, we derive an optimal power allocation scheme to further enhance the SER performance. Simulation results are finally presented to demonstrate the correctness of our analysis and perception for the considered DF protocol.