Performance of an OFDM system in frequency selective channels using Reed-Solomon coding schemes

One of the best ways of transmitting data using a limited amount of available bandwidth is by means of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation. The main advantages of OFDM versus other types of modulation are better use of the available bandwidth and better performance in multipath environments compared to simple digital systems. A study of the performance of a basic OFDM system in a frequency selective propagation environment using different types of Reed-Solomon coding schemes is presented. The two kinds of propagation channels developed are for urban and suburban multipath fading. The performance of a range of coding schemes is studied for both types of propagation channels. The aim of the research is to find a coding scheme which gives reliable performance in a very disrupted environment. In this paper, the basic OFDM system, on which the system simulation is based, is presented with an overview of the theory of OFDM transmission. A summary of the propagation channel developed is also presented with the basic characteristics of the two different types of channels and the graphical results. The rest of the paper deals with the results of the simulation with the Reed-Solomon coding schemes applied to both channel types.