Trellis coded modulation based distributed channel coding

A novel technique is described for distributed channel coding in wireless communication networks. The protocol is based on a block fading model of the multi-user uplink channel and on adapting multidimensional trellis coded modulation techniques to a coding theorem derived for the block fading channel. The coded modulation (CM) protocol is designed to optimise code performance, especially at high spectral efficiencies. The CM protocol is very simple to implement at the cooperating users. Complexity is completely transferred to the destination. The latency of the protocol is only one symbol. The CM protocol achieves full diversity order equal to the number of cooperating users and maximises coding gains by designing the code for the specific modulation used. We derive analytical results and present simulation results showing the benefits of CM protocol over other comparable schemes.