End-to-End Performance Analysis With Decode-and-Forward Relays in Multihop Wireless Systems Over $\alpha$–$\eta$–$\mu$ Fading Channels

This paper analyzes the performance of decode-and-forward (DF)-based multihop relaying communication systems over α-η-μ fading channels. Particularly, we provide expressions for the probability density function, cumulative distribution function, and moment generating function of the end-to-end signal-tonoise ratio for the DF-based multihop systems. Accordingly, closed-form expressions are derived for the end-to-end outage probability (OP), Ergodic capacity, and average symbol error rate (ASER) are provided. The provided expressions are very important in predicting the channel/link quality in the network such that practical multihop communication protocols (channel assignment, multihop path selection, power control, etc.) can be effectively designed. The derived expressions are numerically validated against well-known fading channel models (Rayleigh and η-μ) by setting the appropriate α, η, and μ values. We evaluate the effects of the fading parameters and number of hops on the system performance. Results indicate that a DF-based multihop technique can significantly enhance the end-to-end ASER and OP performance.