Performance of Decode-and-Forward Cooperative Diversity Networks Over Nakagami-m Fading Channels

This paper analyzes the end-to-end bit error rate performance of cooperative diversity networks using decode-and-forward (DF) relaying over independent non-identical flat Nakagami-m fading channels. We derive a closed-form expression for the error rate and analyze its dependence on the channel parameters. In DF cooperative diversity, a relay detects the received signal and then relays the signal to the destination. The destination combines the two signals received from the source and relay. We assume here that the relay decides independently (based on the received signal quality at the relay) whether or not to forward the signal to the destination. Computer simulations are used to validate our analytical results. Results show the significant performance improvement due to the use of the DF cooperative diversity. Also, results indicate that the source-relay channel has the most influence on the error performance.