Average probability of packet error over arbitrarily correlated fading channels

Two new alternative expressions for the average probability of packet error (PPE) over arbitrarily correlated fading channels are derived. As special cases, first order Markov and land mobile correlation models are studied. The new formulas are applicable for all modulation schemes for which the conditional probability of error has an exponential dependence on the signal-to-noise ratio. Among many modulation schemes which meet this requirement either exactly or approximately, noncoherent frequency-shift-keying (NCFSK) is considered as a special case for the purpose for numerical computation. These new expressions of the average PPE are then applied to obtain a modified throughput expression which is then evaluated in the case of non persistent carrier sense multiple access (NPCSMA) protocol. As an illustration of the mathematical expressions, the effect of the different system parameters is studied and discussed.