Performance of Advanced Decoding Schemes for Uplink Relaying in Cellular Networks

In this paper, we analyze the impact of relays on the uplink performance of frequency-division multiple-access cellular networks. We focus our analysis on decode-and-forward techniques, with the aim of measuring the improvements that can be achieved in terms of throughput and energy saving. We apply a stochastic-geometry-based approach to a scenario with intercell interference and full frequency reuse. The first goal of this work is to observe what is the impact of various relay features, such as transmission power, location, and antenna pattern, when a half-duplex constraint is imposed. The second goal is to determine how beneficial relaying can be also for mobiles who are not at the cell edge and who can therefore use a direct link toward the base station. We show that if more refined decoding techniques, such as Successive Interference Cancellation and Superposition Coding, are properly used, considerable gains can be obtained for these mobiles as well.