Throughput Maximization for Buffer-Aided Decode-and-Forward Relay Channels With Non-Ideal Circuit Power

Abstract

This paper studies the throughput maximization problem for a three-node buffer-aided relay channel with non-ideal circuit power. In particular, the half-duplex decode-and-forward relaying scheme is adopted. Moreover, the buffers at the relay own the capability to temporarily store the data received from the source. The throughput maximization problem over infinite time horizon for the considered system is investigated, considering the extra power consumption by the circuits during transmissions. The optimal power allocation is obtained by examining two cases on whether the relay can support the source transmissions, and is then shown to be with an “on-off” structure, i.e., the source and the relay transmit with certain probabilities, respectively. Next, the dynamics of the stored data at the relay is modeled under the derived optimal power allocation, and the minimum buffer size required for data storage is quantified. Finally, numerical results validate the analysis.