Moment generating function-based performance evaluation of amplify-andforward relaying in n??nakagami fading channels

In this study, the authors investigate the error rate performance of amplify-and-forward relaying over N∗Nakagami fading channels. This is a recently introduced channel model that involves the product of N Nakagami-m-distributed random variables. Employing the moment generating function approach, the authors derive symbol error rate expressions for a single-relay system under instantaneous power scaling (IPS) and average power scaling (APS) factors at the relay node, that is, variable and fixed gains. The results achieved by the authors demonstrate that the achievable diversity order is a function of Nakagami fading parameter (m) and degree of cascading (N ). An identical diversity order is obtained under both scaling factors when the relay is close to the destination. When the relay is close to the source, IPS becomes advantageous over APS. Monte–Carlo simulations are further provided to confirm the analytical results.