In this paper, we provide a global framework analysis of a dual-hop mixed radio frequency (RF)/free space optical (FSO) system with multiple branches/relays wherein the first and second hops, respectively, consist of RF and FSO channels. To cover various cases of fading, we propose generalized channels' models for RF and FSO links that follow the Nakagami-m and the double generalized gamma distributions, respectively. Moreover, we suggest channel state information (CSI)-assisted relaying or variable relaying gain based amplifiyand-forward amplification. Partial relay selection with outdated CSI is assumed as a relay selection protocol based on the knowledge of the RF CSI. In order to derive the end-toend signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio statistics, such as the cumulative distribution function, the probability density function, the higher order moments, the amount of fading and the moment generating function, the numerical values of the fading severity parameters are only valid for integer values. Based on these statistics, we derive closed-forms of the outage probability, the bit error probability, the ergodic capacity, and the outage capacity in terms of Meijer-G, univariate, bivariate, and trivariate Fox-H functions. Capitalizing on these expressions, we derive the asymptotic high SNR to unpack valuable engineering insights of the system performance. Monte Carlo simulation is used to confirm the analytical expressions.Index Terms-Nakagami-m, double generalized gamma, co-channel interference, outdated CSI, CSI-assisted relaying, multiple branchs/relays.

In this paper, we propose a dual-hop radiofrequency (RF)/free-space optical system with multiple relays employing the decode-and-forward and amplify-and-forward with a fixed gain relaying scheme. The RF channels are subject to a Rayleigh distribution while the optical links experience a unified fading model emcopassing the atmospheric turbulence that follows the Málaga distribution (or also called the M -distribution), the atmospheric path loss, and the pointing error. Partial relay selection with outdated channel state information is proposed to select the candidate relay to forward the signal to the destination. At the reception, the detection of the signal can be achieved following either heterodyne or intensity modulation and direct detection. Many previous attempts neglected the impact of the hardware impairments and assumed ideal hardware. This assumption makes sense for low data rate systems but it would no longer be valid for high data rate systems. In this paper, we propose a general model of hardware impairment to get insight into quantifying its effects on the system performance. We will demonstrate that the hardware impairments have small impact on the system performance for low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), but it can be destructive at high SNR values. Furthermore, analytical expressions and upper bounds are derived for the outage probability and ergodic capacity while the symbol error probability is obtained through the numerical integration method. Capitalizing on these metrics, we also derive the high SNR asymptotes to get valuable insight into the system gains, such as the diversity and the coding gains. Finally, analytical and numerical results are presented and validated by the Monte Carlo simulation.

In this paper, we investigate the impact of the highpower amplifier non-linear distortion on multiple relay systems by introducing the soft envelope limiter, traveling wave tube amplifier, and solid-state power amplifier to the relays. The system employs amplify-and-forward either fixed or variable gain relaying and uses the opportunistic relay selection with outdated channel state information to select the best relay. The results show that the performance loss is small at low rates; however, it is significant for high rates. In particular, the outage probability and the bit error rate are saturated by an irreducible floor at high rates. The same analysis is pursued for the capacity and shows that it is saturated by a detrimental ceiling as the average signal-to-noise ratio becomes higher. This result contrasts the case of the ideal hardware where the capacity grows indefinitely. Moreover, the results show that the capacity ceiling is proportional to the impairment's parameter and for some special cases the impaired systems practically operate in acceptable conditions. Closed-forms and high SNR asymptotes of the outage probability, the bit error rate, and the capacity are derived. Finally, analytical expressions are validated by the Monte Carlo simulation.Index Terms-Soft envelope limiter, traveling wave tube amplifier, solid state power amplifier, amplify-and-forward, imperfect CSI, opportunistic relay selection.

In this paper, we investigate the performance analysis of dual hop relaying system consisting of asymmetric Radio Frequency (RF)/Free Optical Space (FSO) links. The RF channels follow a Rayleigh distribution and the optical links are subject to Gamma-Gamma fading. We also introduce impairments to our model and we suggest Partial Relay Selection (PRS) protocol with Amplify-and-Forward (AF) fixed gain relaying. The benefits of employing optical communication with RF, is to increase the system transfer rate and thus improving the system bandwidth. Many previous research attempts assuming ideal hardware (source, relays, etc.) without impairments. In fact, this assumption is still valid for low-rate systems. However, these hardware impairments can no longer be neglected for high-rate systems in order to get consistent results. Novel analytical expressions of outage probability and ergodic capacity of our model are derived taking into account ideal and non-ideal hardware cases. Furthermore, we study the dependence of the outage probability and the system capacity considering, the effect of the correlation between the outdated CSI (Channel State Information) and the current source-relay link, the number of relays, the rank of the selected relay and the average optical Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) over weak and strong atmospheric turbulence. We also demonstrate that for a non-ideal case, the end-to-end Signal to Noise plus Distortion Ratio (SNDR) has a certain ceiling for high SNR range. However, the SNDR grows infinitely for the ideal case and the ceiling caused by impairments no longer exists. Finally, numerical and simulation results are presented.

No abstract