Selection Beamforming and Combining in Decode-and-Forward MIMO Relay Networks

In this paper, decode-and-forward (DF) based cooperation in a multiple antenna based wireless communication system is studied. In particular, we address the problem of beamforming and combining in a DF multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) relay network with transmission path selection. A maximum eigenvalue based criterion is used for selection of best transmission path between source and destination nodes. We derive the average bit error rate of the considered cooperative scheme for binary phase shift keying constellation over Rayleigh fading channels. In addition, analytical diversity order of the beamforming and combining based DF MIMO relay system is obtained, for some special cases.