On renewal inner channels and block code error control outer channels

The authors investigate the underlying statistical structure of the block error detection, correction, and misdetection events of a block code on a discrete renewal inner channel, such as a fading RF channel. They show that these events can be represented with outer channel models, i.e. partitioned Markov processes, similar to the inner channel models. Analytical procedures to determine the parameters of these outer channel models are presented. The application of these models in the design of such error-control systems as ARQ (automatic repeat request) systems is investigated. Consideration is also given to the memory-efficient recording of the channel error stream to be recorded or stored, in order to parameterize inner channel models. The results of several simulations to verify the analytical procedures are also presented