Combining Mimo with Network Coding: A Viable Means to Provide Multiplexing and Diversity in Wireless Relay Networks

In this paper, a two-step communication protocol combined with virtual MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and network coding technique is proposed. The protocol is therefore termed MINEC (MIMO Network Coding). A three nodes network with multi-antennas on relay node is taken as an illustrative example of MINEC. Theoretical and simulative analyses of the MINEC performance under the assumption of a binary symmetric relay channel model are carried out. It is found that MINEC performs equivalent to a 2x2 V- BLAST MIMO and a two 2x1 Alamouti MISO in transmitting phase and forwarding phase, respectively. Theoretical and simulative analyses prove that MINEC protocol facilitates more reliable transmission and higher throughput.