Optimization of error performance in a WiMAX transceiver using novel Adaptive Cyclic Prefix strategy

In this paper, a complete novel and unique concept of Adaptive Cyclic Prefix (ACP) is proposed for IEEE 802.16e-WiMAX Physical Layer (PHY) using a Simulink-VSA based simulation model. Implementation of ACP algorithm provides a better QoS in the form of lowest average error for low channel SNR condition, compared to the existing Fixed Cyclic Prefix (FCP) in WiMAX. MATLAB plays the crucial part for implementing ACP, while the WiMAX PHY Layer scenario is created within Simulink workspace. By measuring Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) and Relative Constellation Error (RCE) in Vector Signal Analyser (VSA), a significant improvement is obtained in average error performance with respect to varying Channel SNR for ACP compared to FCP. Simulation results also show that ACP is efficient enough to be used for each of the modulation and coding specified for a WiMAX system, making it an easy alternative to the standard Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC). Finally exhaustive simulation results have been included in support to the success of the algorithm.