Framework for multiplexing cooperative routes in multi-source wireless networks

In this paper, we investigate the power allocation problem involving how to multiplex cooperative routes in multi-source ad hoc wireless networks. The aim is to provide a route-multiplexing scheme with minimal total power consumption given spectrum efficiency constraints. Three protocols: full combination with interference (FCI), full combination with time sharing (FCTS) and selection between interference and time sharing (SBITS) are suggested to deal with the multiple-source problem. From simulations based on reasonable spectrum efficiency constraints, there are two major conclusions. First, SBITS outperforms the other two protocols by power reduction of several dBs. Second, cooperative saving which refers to the power reduction due to cooperative diversity can be maintained even in the multiple-source routing case.