Optimized discrete-estimate-and-forward relaying strategy

We study the conventional three node cooperative relaying problem. A discrete-estimate-and-forward (DEF) strategy is presented, where a discrete alphabet is utilized for the relay´s signal forwarding. Two alternative alphabet designs are provided. The first one is called as minimum distortion alphabet (MDA) and the second one equal space alphabet (ESA). Simulation results show that both designs give performance close to the more complicated conventional Bayesian-Estimate-and-Forward approach. The performance of the MDA slightly outperforms that of the ESA.