ARQ and packet combining with post-reception selection diversity

This paper studies automatic repeat (ARQ) request schemes in the context of selection combining (SC). We consider both pre-reception selection combining (PPR-SC) and post-reception selection combining (POR-SC) schemes with ARQ, in a 3-branch diversity system in a non-interleaved Rayleigh fading channel. These POR-SC schemes operate on a block by block basis, without needing channel sensing and branch selection at every bit (or symbol). Simulation results show that the throughputs of ARQ for POR-SC schemes are improved when compared with that for the conventional SC. Significant performance improvement can be achieved by applying packet combining to POR-SC.