Asymptotic analysis for dual-hop communication networks with PSK and imperfect CSI

We develop an analytical framework for the end-to-end (e2e) asymptotic performance of pilot-symbol assisted Mary phase-shift keying (M-PSK) dual-hop relaying communication networks. The relays use the selective-decode-and-forward protocol and are equipped with multiple receive antennas. Channel estimation per antenna branch is done based on the least-squares estimation technique by means of pilot symbols. Also, maximal-ratio combining and coherent detection are performed at the receiving end. Simple approximate average symbol error probability (ASEP) expressions are obtained for high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) when M ≥2. Our analysis is generic enough to account for any frequency-flat, time-selective, and/or arbitrarily correlated fading channel model per hop. As a case study, we provide e2e M-PSK ASEP expressions considering arbitrarily correlated Nakagami fading channels. Moreover, the optimal power allocation is studied, while the cooperation-gain and diversity-order are extracted. Numerical results are finally presented to verify the accuracy of our asymptotic expressions.