# Switched Max-Link Relay Selection Algorithms for Buffer-Aided Relay Systems

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel relay selection protocol called Switched Max-Link for buffer-aided cooperative MIMO systems, utilizing a new selection criterion based on ML and PEP to improve link reliability.

## Contribution

It proposes a new relay selection algorithm combining switching and link selection, using a novel MMD criterion that outperforms existing methods in reliability and complexity.

## Key findings

- MMD criterion improves link reliability over QN.
- Switched Max-Link enhances system performance with buffer-aided relays.
- Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

## Abstract

In this paper, we investigate relay selection for cooperative multiple-antenna systems that are equipped with buffers, which increase the reliability of wireless links. In particular, we present a novel relay selection technique based on switching and the selection of the best link, that is named Switched Max-Link. We also introduce a novel relay selection criterion based on the Maximum Likelihood (ML) principle and the Pairwise Error Probability (PEP) denoted Maximum Minimum Distance (MMD) that is incorporated into the proposed Switched Max-Link protocol. We compare the proposed MMD to the existing Quadratic Norm (QN), in terms of PEP and computational complexity. Simulations are then employed to evaluate the performance of the proposed and existing techniques.