Simulation of Cooperative Communication with AF Relay Protocol

This article provides a comprehensive overview of simulation code for cooperative communication employing the Amplify-and-Forward (AF) relay protocol, along with its MATLAB implementation. Cooperative communication refers to a paradigm where multiple devices collaborate to share information and resources across networks. The AF relay method, a fundamental approach in cooperative communication, enhances signal strength and quality by retransmitting amplified versions of signals from source devices to destination devices. Our simulation package includes MATLAB scripts that model signal propagation, relay amplification, and performance metrics calculation using key functions like awgn() for noise addition and fft() for signal processing. The code architecture implements three-node scenarios (source-relay-destination) with configurable parameters for channel conditions, power allocation, and relay positioning. We will elaborate on the code design methodology, including the implementation of maximum ratio combining algorithms and bit error rate analysis through Monte Carlo simulations. Additionally, we discuss practical applications of these simulations in real-world communication scenarios, such as optimizing relay placement and evaluating system performance under various fading conditions. This resource aims to assist researchers in understanding the implementation nuances and performance characteristics of AF-based cooperative communication systems.