Multi-branch decode-and-forward cooperative diversity networks performance analysis over Nakagami-m fading channels

In this study, the performances analysis of cooperative-diversity networks using adaptive decode-and-forward (DF) relaying over independent non-identical flat Nakagami-m fading channels is investigated. The authors derive exact and approximate closed-form expressions for the error probability, outage probability and average channel capacity, and analyse their dependence on the channel parameters. In adaptive DF relaying, among M relays that can participate, only C relays (C≤M), with good channels to the source, DF (retransmit) the source information to the destination. Then, the destination combines the direct and the indirect signals using maximum ratio combining technique. The authors derive a closed-form expression for the the moment generating function of the total signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the destination node. Then, the authors find an exact closed-form expression for the probability density function (PDF) of the total SNR at the destination. This PDF is used to derive the exact closed-form expressions of the performance metrics. Such closed-form solutions are highly desirable because they allow for rapid and efficient evaluation of system performance. Since exact expressions are complicated, the authors have introduced simple approximate expressions for the error and outage probabilities where these expressions explicitly show the diversity order. Computer simulations are used to validate our analytical results. Results show the significant performance improvement because of the use of the adaptive DF cooperative diversity. Also, results indicate that increasing the number of relays will not always decrease the outage probability.