Perturbation-based Distributed Beamforming for Wireless Relay Networks

Abstract: This paper deals with distributed beamforming techniques for wireless networks with half-duplex amplify-and-forward relays. Existing schemes optimize the beamforming weights based on the assumption that channel state information (CSI) is available at the relays. We propose to use adaptive beamforming based on deterministic perturbations and limited feedback (1-bit) from the destination to the relays in order to avoid CSI at the relays. Two scalable perturbation schemes are considered and practical implementation aspects are addressed. Simulation results confirm that the proposed techniques closely approach optimum performance and have satisfactory tracking properties in time-varying environments.