Cooperative diversity in wireless networks

Transmit Diversity is an effective methodology for improving the quality and reliability of a wireless network by reducing the effects of fading. As majority of the wireless devices (i.e. mobile handsets, etc) are limited to only one antenna, especially due to hardware constraints, size and cost factors; cooperative communication can be utilized in order to generate transmit diversity [1]. This enables single antenna wireless devices to share their antennas during transmission in such a manner that creates a virtual MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) system [2] [3]. In this paper, we will analyze the recent developments and trends in this promising area of wireless Ad hoc networks. The article will also discuss various main cooperative signaling methods and will also observe their performance. © 2010 Kavala Institute of Technology.