Cooperative communication with imperfect channel information: Performance analysis and optimum power allocation

In this paper, symbol-error-rate (SER) performance analysis is provided for decode-and-forward (DF) and amplify-and-forward (AF) cooperation schemes in wireless networks with imperfect channel information. We derive closed-form SER formulations for a single relay system with square MQAM signals in a flat Rayleigh fading channel. Moreover, closed-form and high SNR tight SER approximations are established to show the asymptotic performance of the cooperation protocols. Simulations and comparisons verify that these approximations lead to similar results to those from the exact SER formulations for different power allocation methods. Furthermore, based on these SER performance analyses, we determine the optimum power allocation for the AF and DF cooperation scenarios.