System level performance evaluation of dynamic relays in cellular networks over Nakagami-m fading channels

The performance of dynamic relays in different types of cellular networks is investigated under the presence of inter-cell interference (ICI). In particular, the gains of dynamic relaying are assessed in different cellular environments which are accurately modeled with the aid of the Nakagami-m distribution. For the system under consideration, mobile stations (MSs) can relay signals intended for other MSs. Assuming the triangular relaying model, the best relay partner for each target MS is identified and utilized only if it provides gains over the non-relay assisted transmission. The considered channel model includes path-loss and small-scale fading with different fading statistics. It is shown that the gain in terms of average system capacity and probability of outage when dynamic relays are employed increases as the number of MSs in the cell grows. Furthermore, it turns out that the gains from utilizing dynamic relays become larger as the experienced fading becomes more severe. Therefore, dynamic relays can boost performance of cellular systems plagued by severe fading.