Error probability of DF relaying with pilot-assisted channel estimation over time-varying fading channels

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the error rate performance of a cooperative network with adaptive decode-and-forward (DF) relaying over time-selective frequency-flat Rayleigh-fading channels. We assume pilot-symbol-assisted modulation (PSAM) for the estimation of time-varying fading channel coefficients. For the system under consideration, we derive an exact closed-form expression for the average bit/symbol error rate, which is further validated through Monte Carlo simulations. Such closed-form solutions are highly desirable because they allow for rapid and efficient performance evaluation. Through the derived expression, we also demonstrate the effect of various system parameters such as the number of relays, Doppler values, and filter length on system performance.