Performance analysis of multiple relay cooperative communication over generalized κ–μ and η–μ fading channels

In this paper, we derive the closed form expressions for symbol error rate (SER) of a multiple relay cooperative communication system using selective decode-and-forward protocol over generalized κ–μ and η–μ independent identically distributed fading channels for different modulation schemes. We also derive the exact expression of SER for non-coherent detection and an approximate expression of SER for coherent detection. At the destination, we employ the maximal ratio combining to provide diversity. The final expressions of SER are represented in terms of moment generating function which is a combination of elementary functions. We also perform the Monte Carlo simulations by assuming different channels and by varying the number of relays to validate the analytical results.