Advances in relay networks: Performance and capacity analysis of space-time analog network coding

We propose modified space-time-coding-based analog network coding (ANC) for multiple-relay network, termed space-time analog network coding (STANC). We present the performance and capacity analysis of the proposed network in terms of SER and ergodic capacity. We derive the closed-form expressions for the moment-generating function (MGF) of the equivalent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the multiple-relay STANC network over independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) Rayleigh, Nakagami, and Rician channels. Average SER of the system is evaluated using MGF-based approach. We further derive the approximate closed-form expressions of ergodic capacity. These expressions are simple and enable effective evaluation of the performance and capacity of STANC system.