Precise MGF performance analysis of amplify-and-forward cooperative diversity in Nakagami-m fading

Using the unified moment generating function method, an exact error rate analysis of channel state information assisted amplify-and-forward cooperative diversity wireless networks is derived. The analysis is valid for independent and non-identically distributed Nakagami-m fading channels with integer fading parameter m. An exact expression is derived for the moment generating function of the overall signal-to-noise ratio of a maximal ratio combining diversity receiver. The exact average symbol error probability of different M-ary modulations is obtained. Computer simulation is used to confirm the analytical results.