Multi-Branch Configuration of Dynamic Wireless Cooperative Networks

The practical implementation of cooperative systems requires a suitable algorithm for the selection of relay terminals. In this paper, we investigate the performance of an optimal configuration strategy which is designed for multibranch amplify-and-forward cooperative networks. The algorithm is applied to a dynamic network where relay stations are added one at a time until a desired error rate is achieved. We present analytical and simulation results which compare the performance of the proposed algorithm to the case when the relay nodes are selected randomly. It is demonstrated that the proposed algorithm results in the selection of a minimum number of relay terminals to achieve the desired error rate performance.