Optimum time resource allocation for TDMA-based differential decode-and-forward cooperative systems: a capacity perspective

It is widely recognized that differential decode-and-forward (DDF) cooperative transmission schemes are capable of achieving a cooperative diversity gain, while circumventing the potentially excessive-complexity and yet inaccurate channel estimation, especially in mobile environments. In this letter, we find the optimum transmit-interval duration for the source and relay in the context of TDMA-based DDF-aided half-duplex systems for the sake of maximizing the achievable network throughput. We also demonstrate from a pure capacity perspective, in what scenarios the introduction of cooperation improves the achievable throughput.