Combining cooperative diversity and network coding in uplink multi-source multi-relay networks

In this paper, a new scheme of combining cooperative diversity with network coding is proposed for wireless uplink multi-source multi-relay networks. The existing network-coded cooperative scheme always conducts network coding operation at relays in moderate-to-high signal-to-noise ratio region. Distinct from it, the proposed scheme determines either a direct cooperative mode or a network-coded cooperative mode at relays according to the channel qualities of the broadcast phase. Compared with the existing network-coded cooperative scheme, the proposed scheme achieves a performance gain in terms of both diversity order and system ergodic capacity without extra bandwidth resource consumption. Both theoretical analysis and simulations verify the validity and superiority of the proposed cooperative scheme.