Detection of imperfectly synchronized data streams in physical layer network coding

Physical Layer Network Coding (PLNC) allows the exchange of data packets in a two-way relay channel with higher spectral efficiency than traditional network coding (NC). This paper considers the effect that the choice of pulse shape has on the amount of time synchronism needed between the two users in a PLNC system. It is shown that the choice of pulse shape effects both the performance and the complexity of the receiver at the relay node. Furthermore, it is seen that regardless of what pulse shape is used, there must be some level of time synchronization between the two users to avoid substantial performance loss.