Discrete Rayleigh fading channel modeling

Diverse methods that have been proposed to model Rayleigh fading channels will be explored in this tutorial. Preliminary concepts related to wireless communications channel modeling are identified before introducing the models. The first model presented is the finite state Markov channel model which is based on the side information given by the received signal to noise ratio. The Markovian validity of the model is described along with the adequate conditions under which such validity holds. The relationships between the model and modulation schemes, error control protocols and channel coding are also described. Additionally hidden Markov models proposed to model Rayleigh fading channels are also studied along with their validity assumptions.