Delay-tolerant STBC for both amplify-and-forward and decode-and-forward cooperative networks

Distributed space-time code constructions are presented that are suitable for asynchronous cooperative networks using different cooperation strategies. The codes presented herein may be used with either an amplify-and-forward or a decode-and-forward protocol, achieving in either scenario full spatial diversity despite arbitrary timing offsets among asynchronous cooperating relays. The new designs are flexible with respect to the number of relays, input alphabet, and transmission rate.