First-order Markov modeling for the Rayleigh fading channel

Previous models for the received signal amplitude of the flat-fading channel that use first-order, finite state, Markov chains are examined. The stochastic properties of a proposed first-order model based on these models are examined. The limitations of using an information theoretic metric, which is sometimes used to justify a first-order Markov chain as a sufficient model for very slowly fading channels, are discussed. A simple method based on qualitatively comparing autocorrelation functions is instead proposed. Contrary to previous reports, the results indicate that first-order Markov chains are not generally suitable for very slowly fading channels. Rather, first-order Markov chains can be suitable for very slowly fading applications which require analysis over only a short duration of time.