Optimal puncturing of unreliable bits in hybrid ARQ protocol to enhance network performance

In this paper, we consider the problem of increasing throughput of the hybrid automatic retransmission request (H-ARQ). In H-ARQ protocol, a fast and low-complexity decoding algorithm, as known as hard decision decoding (HDD), is required for the high transmission rate. Therefore, we propose a 'receive-side puncturing algorithm' to improve the decoding error performance of the HDD, which enhances the overall system throughput of H-ARQ. In addition, we describe performance improvement analytically and derive an optimal threshold for our puncturing algorithm. Simulations verify our theoretical analysis and show the increased throughput of the H-ARQ in both AWGN and Rayleigh fading channels.