Using Channel Output Feedback to Increase Throughput in Hybrid-ARQ

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel hybrid-ARQ scheme utilizing channel output feedback and advanced coding techniques to significantly enhance throughput in Rayleigh fading channels, applicable to multiple-antenna systems.

Contribution

It introduces a new hybrid-ARQ protocol that leverages receiver feedback and combines FEC with linear feedback coding for improved performance.

Findings

Achieves higher throughput in Rayleigh block fading channels.

Effective in multiple-antenna MISO/MIMO configurations.

Demonstrates throughput gains through simulations.

Abstract

Hybrid-ARQ protocols have become common in many packet transmission systems due to their incorporation in various standards. Hybrid-ARQ combines the normal automatic repeat request (ARQ) method with error correction codes to increase reliability and throughput. In this paper, we look at improving upon this performance using feedback information from the receiver, in particular, using a powerful forward error correction (FEC) code in conjunction with a proposed linear feedback code for the Rayleigh block fading channels. The new hybrid-ARQ scheme is initially developed for full received packet feedback in a point-to-point link. It is then extended to various different multiple-antenna scenarios (MISO/MIMO) with varying amounts of packet feedback information. Simulations illustrate gains in throughput.