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Switching-Based Cooperative Decode-and-Forward Relaying for Hybrid FSO/RF

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Article  in  Journal of Optical Communications and Networking · June 2019

DOI: 10.1364/JOCN.11.000267

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Switching-Based Cooperative Decode-and-Forward
Relaying for Hybrid FSO/RF Networks
Shubha Sharma, AS Madhukumar, and Swaminathan R
Abstract—In this paper, we propose a novel switching scheme
for hybrid free-space optical (FSO)/radio frequency (RF) system
with selective decode-and-forward (DF) relay network. Specif-
ically, the system transmits over FSO channels when the in-
stantaneous signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the FSO receiver is
greater than the threshold SNR. If the SNR drops below the
threshold, the system switches its transmission over RF channels.
The exact outage probability and average symbol error rate
(SER) expressions are derived for selective DF relay network with
maximal ratio combining (MRC) assumed at the destination. In
addition, the asymptotic outage and SER expressions with lower
computational complexity are derived and the diversity order is
determined. The optimum value of threshold SNR, which satisfies
target SER, has been calculated numerically for the proposed
switching scheme. The theoretical results, which are validated
by Monte-carlo simulations, show that the proposed switching
scheme for cooperative hybrid FSO/RF system drastically im-
proves the performance compared to that of single hop (SH)
switching-based hybrid FSO/RF and cooperative FSO systems.
Index Terms—Gamma-Gamma distribution, hybrid FSO/RF,
maximal ratio combining, switching scheme.
I. I NTRODUCTION
REE space optics (FSO) and millimeter wave (MMW)
F RF transmissions support high data rate (up to GBPS) for
short range transmission up to few kilometers [1]. However,
the FSO link is highly susceptible to atmospheric effects like
pressure and temperature, which cause atmospheric turbulence
along the propagation path [1]. These factors lead to variation
in laser beam strength at the receiver that affects the link
range and the system reliability [1]. The major challenge for
FSO link is the attenuation due to fog but it is not affected
by O2 absorption and rain. However, MMW RF link is not
affected by fog but is affected by O2 absorption and rain [2],
[3]. Thus, both FSO and MMW RF exhibit complementary
characteristics. In this perspective, the combination of FSO and
MMW RF is considered as a powerful candidate for high data
rate reliable communication for wireless back-haul networks
[3], [4].
In hybrid FSO/RF systems, to guarantee reliability, various
schemes are proposed in the literature, which can be divided
into three categories. The first category is simultaneous or
parallel transmission, where both FSO and RF link transmit
identical information at the cost of reduced data rate of the
FSO links [3], [5]. It is important to note that this leads to
wastage of power and unnecessary interference. The second
category is hard switching, where either the FSO or RF
link is selected based on the channel conditions [6]-[9]. A
Shubha Sharma and A S Madhukumar are with the School of Com-
puter Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University Singapore,
Singapore 639798, e-mail: shubha002, asmadhukumar@ntu.edu.sg. Swami-
nathan R is with the department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of
Technology Indore, India e-mail: swamiramabadran@iiti.ac.in
1
feedback signal is required from the destination to the source.
Though this scheme provides an efficient transmission and
higher data rate compared to simultaneous transmission, this
method is more complex than the simultaneous transmission.
And the third category is soft switching, which is the most
complex scheme, where joint coding is done for FSO and RF
links based on the channel conditions [4], [10]. Among the
mentioned schemes, hard switching scheme offers a trade-
off among reliability, data rate and system complexity. It
is important to note that the aforementioned schemes are
restricted to a single-hop (SH) system.
Fig. 1. System Architecture
It is to be noted that FSO and MMW RF transmissions
are confined to short distances [6]-[9]. Consequently for a
backhaul network, a distributed architecture is required, where
the back-haul traffic is relayed from the small cell base station
(BS) to adjacent BS and then finally forwarded to the macro-
cell BS as shown in Fig.1. Mixed RF-FSO relaying systems
have been extensively discussed in literature, where FSO
transmission is mostly used as a last mile access link. For
instance, [11]-[16] investigate mixed dual-hop (DH) systems
using amplify-and-forward (AF) based relaying scheme with
an RF source-to-relay link and an FSO relay-to-destination
link. Further in [16], the closed-form expressions for outage
probability and average bit error rate are derived using Malaga
distribution which is considered as a generalized fading model
for the FSO link. In case of AF relaying, the relay node
amplifies the received message signal and then forwards the
amplified version to the destination node. However, the noise
together with the signal is also amplified, which is the main
disadvantage of AF relaying scheme.
In [17], similar mixed RF-FSO DH system using decode-
and-forward (DF) based relaying scheme has been investi-
gated. It is to be noticed that all the aforementioned mixed
RF-FSO systems do not consider the presence of direct
source-to-destination link except [18], which considers an
RF source-to-destination link. In [19] and [20], DF-relaying-

based FSO system with a source-to-destination link is inves-
tigated. In [21], DF-based mixed RF-FSO system is consid-
ered with single-input-multiple-output (SIMO) RF source-to-
relay links and single-input-single-output (SISO) FSO relay-
to-destination link. In all the aforementioned mixed RF-FSO
systems, the FSO is considered only as a last mile access
link. Further in [22], the closed-form expressions of outage
probability and ergodic achievable rates for the DF-relaying-
based RF-FSO multi-hop and mesh networks are investigated.
In [6], the performance of switching-based hybrid FSO/RF
system is investigated for SH scenario, which is restricted to
log-normal fading for FSO link. In [8], the switching scheme
is considered for a direct source-to-destination FSO link and
a DH mixed RF-FSO backup link with source-to-relay RF
link and relay-to-destination FSO link. Further in [6] and [8],
two different link switching strategies are examined such as
a single FSO threshold scheme which offers simplicity in
transceiver design, and a dual FSO threshold scheme that
prevents unnecessary switching between primary FSO link
and backup RF link or backup mixed RF-FSO link. In [9],
we have analyzed the performance of switching-based hybrid
FSO/RF transmission in DH scenario with selection combining
(SC). But the derived exact expressions are too complex and
therefore, simpler asymptotic expressions are required. It is
noted that the conventional DF scheme significantly degrades
the system performance due to decoding errors at the relay.
In this paper, we propose a switching scheme for a DF-
relaying-based hybrid FSO/RF system using MRC at the
destination. To overcome the shortcomings of conventional
DF relaying, we use selective DF-relaying protocol, where
the transmission is conditioned on successful decoding at the
relay [23]. The system comprises of DF-relaying-based FSO
and RF sub-systems, which are activated using a switching
mechanism with the priority to FSO sub-system. The FSO sub-
system initiates the transmission as long as the instantaneous
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the optical receiver is above a
certain threshold, γth . When the SNR falls below γth , the
system switches to the RF sub-system, while putting the FSO
sub-system on a standby mode.
In contrast to [11]-[21], the present work does not restrict
FSO transmission to last mile access alone. Please note that
in the proposed scheme, we consider switching of the entire
sub-system and not at individual link level. FSO transmission
achieves higher data rate than MMW RF transmission. When
the system is switched to FSO or RF sub-system, then source
and relay transmit using corresponding FSO or RF links,
respectively, and MRC is used to combine the received signal
at destination. In this manner, the hybrid FSO/RF system
supports the transmission rates of FSO and MMW RF sub-
systems separately. Therefore, the presented scheme achieves
higher data rate in average compared to [3] and [11]-[22],
where the data rate is always restricted to the data rate of
RF links. The FSO links are characterized by Gamma-Gamma
turbulence with weather attenuation factors. In [6], [7], [9] and
[36], Nakagami-m distribution is used to model the MMW
RF channel. Therefore, in this work, the MMW RF links are
characterized using Nakagami-m distribution, as it can model
wide variety of line-of-sight (LOS) and non-LOS channel
2
scenarios by varying the values of m together with different
path loss factors. The motivations and contributions of our
work are summarized as follows:
A. Motivations
• In prior work, switching-based hybrid FSO/RF trans-
mission has been investigated for SH scenario, which
is restricted to log-normal fading for FSO link. Since
FSO or MMW RF transmission is restricted to short
range communication, the performance analysis of DH
cooperative relaying scenario is required to improve the
coverage and reliability. Moreover, in the context of 5G
cellular networks, cooperative relaying is necessary for
efficient transmission.
• In prior works, conventional DF-relaying-based system,
where the relay transmits the information to destination
irrespective of the decoding errors, has been investigated.
But the performance of DF relaying can be improved by
letting the relay forward the information, only if it is
successfully decoded (i.e. selective DF relaying). Hence,
a selective DF-relaying-based hybrid FSO/RF system is
required to be investigated.
• Switching-based system was also proposed for DH sce-
nario with SC at the destination. The derived expressions
were too complex to comprehend. Therefore, simpler
asymptotic expressions are required to understand the
system behavior. It is also mandatory to investigate the
performance of switching-based hybrid FSO/RF system
using MRC, which is an optimal combining scheme, at
the destination.
• It is also noticed that the performance of switching-
based hybrid FSO/RF system has not been investigated
for different weather conditions.
• The optimum threshold SNR value for switching-based
system has not been investigated in the past and the same
is mandatory to achieve optimal performance.
B. Contributions
• We propose a novel switching scheme for a DF-relaying-
based hybrid FSO/RF system with MRC. The proposed
scheme provides high data rate in average due to the
default usage of FSO sub-system and switching between
FSO and RF sub-systems, when the FSO link is in outage.
• To overcome the shortcomings of DF transmission, we
use selective DF-relaying protocol, where the transmis-
sion from relay-to-destination is conditioned on the suc-
cessful decoding at relay.
• The performance analysis of the proposed system has
been carried out by deriving exact closed-form expres-
sions for outage probability and average symbol error rate
(SER). The average SER analysis is investigated for sub-
carrier-intensity-based M -ary phase-shift keying (MPSK)
signaling.
• In addition, the asymptotic outage and SER expressions
with lower computational complexity are derived in
closed-form and the diversity order is determined. Note
that all the exact and asymptotic expressions are verified
using Monte-Carlo simulation results.
 3

• The performance of DF-relaying-based hybrid FSO/RF During second phase, the decoded data x̂f [k] at R is forwarded
system is reported for various weather conditions. to D and the received base-band signal at D is given by
opt
• The optimum switching threshold SNR value γth for the q
f f f
proposed switching scheme is obtained numerically by yRD = η Eg /2PRD IRD gRD x̂f [k] + nfRD , (2)
plotting the average SER with respect to threshold SNR
values γth . The optimum value of γth is chosen to satisfy where Pjf is the transmitted optical power, Ij is the FSO
a target average SER value and to achieve high capacity. channel fading coefficient with E[Ij ] = 1, where E[.] is the
The rest of the paper is organized as follows: The system and expectation operator, nfj [k] is the additive white Gaussian
channel models of the proposed scheme are given in section noise component with zero mean and variance σf2 j = 2σ12 =
II. Statistical characteristics of FSO and RF systems are also E[nfj [k]nfj ∗ [k]], where j ∈ {SR, RD, SD}. Note that xf [k]
discussed in section II. In section III and IV, outage and aver- is the transmitted symbol, which is one of the M constellation
age SER analyses are presented, respectively. The asymptotic points in the MPSK signal space, Eg is the energy of the
analyses are given in section V. Section VI discusses the results shaping pulse, and η is the optical-to-electrical conversion
and the paper concludes at Section VII. coefficient. The average gain of the FSO link or the attenuation
II. S YSTEM AND C HANNEL M ODEL factor is given by gjf = exp(−α1 L), where α1 is a weather
A switching-based hybrid FSO/RF system comprises of a dependent attenuation coefficient (in 1/km) and L is the link
DF-relaying-based FSO sub-system and a DF-relaying-based distance. Similarly, for RF, the received base-band signals in
RF sub-system as shown in Fig. 2. The sub-systems employ the k-th symbol interval at R and D are, respectively, given
MRC to combine the data of the two phase transmission at the by q q
r
gSR hSR xr [k] + nrSR [k],
r
p r
destination. For MMW RF transceivers, the pointing precision ySR [k] = Eg /2 PSR
q q
r
gSD hSD xr [k] + nrSD [k].
r
p r
ySD [k] = Eg /2 PSD (3)

During second phase, the decoded data x̂r [k] at R is forwarded

Fig. 2. Hybrid FSO/RF system model
can be achieved using a mechanical positioning platform,
which is known as gimbal [24]. In FSO, the pointing precision
can be achieved using a fast scanning mirror as mentioned
in [24]. In [25], different mechanisms (such as 1. Gimbal-
based technique, 2. Mirror-based technique, 3. Liquid-crystal-
based mechanism, and 4. Adaptive optics) are presented for
acquisition, pointing and tracking of optical beam. In adaptive
optics, there are three techniques in which the transceivers
use feedback messages to correct the pointing errors. In [26],
the performance of FSO MIMO links with pointing errors has
been investigated with greater details. The results available in
[26] will be used in future for analyzing the performance of
the proposed hybrid system in the presence of misalignment
or pointing errors.
The proposed system comprises of a source (S), relay
(R), and destination (D). The atmospheric turbulence induced
fading channels over FSO links S-D, S-R and R-D (ISD , ISR ,
and IRD ) are modeled using Gamma-Gamma distribution. The
corresponding norm of the flat faded RF channel gains (hSD ,
hSR , and hRD ) are modeled using Nakagami-m distribution.
We also consider path loss attenuation in different weather
conditions for both FSO and MMW RF channels. It is assumed
that the channel gains of FSO and MMW RF links are
mutually independent. For the case of FSO, the received base-
band signals for the k-th symbol interval at R and D are,
respectively, given q
by
f f f given by
ySR [k] = η Eg /2PSR ISR gSR xf [k] + nfSR [k],
q f 2 2 E
f f f f
ySD [k] = η Eg /2PSD ISD gSD xf [k] + nfSD [k]. (1)
to D and the received baseband signal at D is given by
q q
r
gRD hRD x̂r [k] + nrRD [k], (4)
r
p r
yRD = Eg /2 PRD
where Pjr is the transmitted power, hj is the RF channel
fading with E[h2j ] = 1, nrj [k] is the additive white Gaus-
sian noise component with zero mean and variance σrj 2
=
r r∗
E[nj [k]nj [k]], xr [k] is the transmitted symbol which is one
of the M constellation points in the MPSK signal space.
Assuming the RF carrier frequency of 60 GHz, the average
power gain of the RF link is given by
gjr [dB] = Gt +Gr −20log10 (4πL/λr )−(αoxy +αrain )L, (5)
where Gt and Gr denote the transmit and receive antenna
gains, respectively, λr is the wavelength of the RF system,
and αoxy and αrain are the attenuation caused by oxygen
absorption and rain, respectively. The noise variance in the
RF link is given by σrj2
[dBm] = B + No + NF [4], where
B is the RF bandwidth (in dBMHz), No is the noise power
spectral density (in dBm/MHz), and NF is the noise figure of
the receiver.
A. FSO Channel Model
We adopt sub-carrier intensity modulation/direct detection
for the FSO links [7] assuming perfect alignment between
FSO transmitter and receiver apertures. The intensity of the
laser beam is modulated using PSK signal. However, a DC
bias must be added to ensure non-negative input constraint for
PSK waveform. The instantaneous SNR (γjf ) and the average
SNR (γ̄jf ) at the output of the FSO receiver are, respectively,
 2
(Pj ) η g gjf
f 2 f
γj = γ̄j |Ij | , γ̄j = . (6)
σf2 j 2
 4

TABLE I
N OTATIONS USED THROUGH OUT THE PAPER
1 SD RD
α  √
( αj +β j
)
Aj , 2Γ(αj )Γ(βj )
<j , αj , βj An1 , A1 A1 Γ RD
2
+ 1 n1 ! Jj , 1 π
Γ(αj )Γ(βj ) 2sin(π(αj −βj ))
αj βj / γ¯j 2
1
α +β
2 j j (αj βj )2 αj αj +1 βj βj +1 √ (2n−(αj −βj ))/2
Aj1 , vjf , B1j , j 1


4πΓ(αj )Γ(βj ) f 2
, 2
, 2 , 2
J1n , Γ(n−(αj −βj )+1)n!
αj βj / γ¯j
16γ̄j
(−1)n4 D 2n4 +1 mj j αj αj +1 βj βj +1 j 1 √
(2n+(αj −βj ))/2
A n4 , n4 ! (2n4 +1)
wj , γr
B2,n1 , 2
+ n1 , 2
, 2 , 2
J2n , Γ(n+(αj −βj )+1)n!
αj βj / γ̄j
j
m +n2
w−k1 wRD
RD
(−1)n2 +k1
 
m αRD j 2n−(αj −βj ) αj +βj k mRD + n2
Ck1 , mSD + k1 c, +1 µ1n , + Cn1 , SD
2 4 4 2 Γ(mSD )Γ(mRD ) n2 !(mRD + n2 ) k1
m SD j 2n+(αj −βj ) αj +βj m,p m
Cn2, k1 , mRD +n2−k1 cn1 , µg,n + n1 µ2n , 4
+ 4
Cn2, k11 = (Cn2, k1 + p1 ), `11 = 1, `12 = −1

The PDF of instantaneous SNR of FSO link is given by B. MMW RF Channel Model

αj βj
α
j +βj αj +βj
−1
The instantaneous received SNR (γjr ) and the average SNR
√ 2 (γ) 4 s √ ! r
f
γ¯j αj βj γ (γ j ) of any given MMW RF link are, respectively, given by
fγ f (γ) = Kαj −βj 2 p , (7)
j Γ(αj )Γ(βj ) γ¯j f Pjr gjr Eg
2
γjr = γ rj |hj | , γ rj = 2 . (12)
where Γ (·) is the gamma integral function [29, Eq. (8.310.1)] σrj 2
and Ka (·) is the modified Bessel function of the second kind The norm of the fading channel gain i.e. |hj | is modeled
of order a [29]. Here, αj and βj are the small scale and large as Nakagami-m distribution, where m indicates the fading
scale parameters of the scattering environment of j th link. severity parameter and it represents a wide variety of realistic
Assuming spherical wave propagation, these parameters can line-of-sight (LOS) (with high values for m [6] and [7]) and
be directly related to atmospheric conditions as [30, Eq. (2,3)] non-LOS fading channels encountered in practice. Now the
 0.49χj 2
−1 PDF of γjr , which follows Gamma distribution, is given by
12/5 7/6
αj = e (1+0.18d 2 +0.56χ ) −1 γ mj −1 −wj γ
j j
mj
, fγjr (γ) = wj e , (13)
12/5 −5/6
Γ(mj )
 0.51χ2 (
j 1+0.69χj ) −1
12/5 5/6 where wj is given in Table I. By using [29, Eq. (3.351.1)], the
βj = e ( 1+0.9d 2 +0.62d 2 χ
j j j ) −1 (8) CDF of γjr can be expressed
,
11/6 Fγjr (γ) = γ (mj , wj γ) /Γ(mj ), (14)
where χ2j = 0.5Cn2 k 7/6 Lj is the Rytov variance and dj =
2
kD /4Lj

1/2
. Here, k = 2π/λ is the optical wave number, where γ (·, ·) is the lower incomplete gamma function [29, Eq.
(8.350.1)].
λ is the wavelength, D is the diameter of the receiver aperture,
and Lj is the link distance in meters. It is to be noted that III. O UTAGE A NALYSIS
Cn2 stands for the refractive index structure parameter and is An outage of the communication system is encountered
2
altitude-dependent. In general, Cn2 varies from 10−13 (m− 3 ) when the output instantaneous SNR drops below a predeter-
2
(for strong turbulence) to 10−16 (m− 3 ) (for weak turbulence). mined threshold. In this scenario, S and R can transmit over
Equation (7) can be expressed in terms of Meijer G-function FSO links given that the instantaneous SNR of the FSO links at
as follows    D after MRC is greater than the threshold SNR of FSO (γth f
).
f −
q
fγ f (γ) = Aj γ −1 G2,0

0,2 α j β j γ/γ̄ j  <j , (9) f
If the SNR drops below γth , then the system will switch to
j
MMW RF links, if instantaneous SNR is above the threhold
where Aj , <j are given in Table I, and Gm,np,q (·) is the Meijer SNR of RF links (γth r
). If the received SNRs of both FSO
G-function [29, Eq.(9.301)]. It is rather challenging to directly and MMW RF links are below their respective thresholds, an
deal with the PDF of the FSO channel. Specially, for the DF- outage will be declared. A one-bit feedback signal is used to
relaying scenarios, it is not easy to obtain analytical results switch or to select between FSO and RF sub-systems [27].
by using the PDF given in (7) and (9). Therefore, we need an We use one of the following vectors, either vf = [a, 1 − a]T
alternative representation of the PDF of the Gamma-Gamma for FSO or vr = [1−a, a]T for RF transmission. The choice
distribution, which can render simplified analysis. Using [31, of vector depends upon the one bit feedback received from
Eq.(03.04.06.0002.01)], (7) can be written as D. If it is assumed that there is no error in feedback, then
2 ∞ f f f
X X
j µjgn −1
the best strategy is to use vf if γM RC
> γth and vr if γM RC
fγ f (γ) = Jj `1g Jgn γ , (10) f f
< γth , where a = 1 and γM RC is the instantaneous SNRs of
j
g=1 n=0
FSO sub-system after MRC [27]. The expression for outage
j
where Jj , `1g , Jgn
and, µjgn
are given in Table I. Using (9) probability is given by
f r
and [32, Eq.(07.34.21.0084.01)], the cumulative distribution PM RC = F γ f (γth )Fγ r (γth ), (15)
M RC M RC
function (CDF) of γjf can be expressed
 as  f r

 1 where Fγ f (γth ) and Fγ r (γth ) are the CDFs of the
j 4,1 f  M RC M RC
Fγ f (γ) = A1 G1,5 vj γ  j , (11) instantaneous SNRs of FSO and MMW RF sub-systems,
j B1 , 0
respectively, after MRC. The output SNR at D, conditioned
where Aj1 , vjf , and B1j are given in Table I. on the successful decoding at R, is given by γCT = γSD
T T
+ γRD ,
 5

T T f
where γSD and γRD represent the instantaneous SNRs of S–D Eq. (8.384.1)]. The PDF of γC , obtained by differentiating
T
and R–D links, respectively, and T ∈ {f, r}. Since γSD and (20) with respect to γ, is given by (21). The PDF of γCr ,
T T
γRD are independent random variables, the CDF of γC is given obtained by differentiating (19) with respect to γ using [29,
by Eq.(8.352.6)], is given by (22).
s
Zγ γ−γ
Z
IV. AVERAGE SER
Fγ T (γ) = fγ T (γ k )fγ T (γ s )dγ k dγ s . (16)
C RD SD
0 0
For SER analysis, we assume that the data is modulated
using MPSK signaling. The conditional SER for MPSK sig-
On the other hand, if R fails to decode in first transmission naling conditioned on the instantaneous SNR of any given link
phase, it will remain silent in the second transmission phase. γ is given by [6, Eq. 11]
In this case, it is still possible for D to receive and decode the
data through the direct S-D link. The CDF of γM T
in case A √
RC p(e/γ) = erfc ( γD) , (23)
of either FSO or RF transmission can be written as 2
 
Fγ T (γ)=Fγ T (γ) 1−Fγ T (γ) +Fγ T (γ)Fγ T (γ). (17) where A = 1
for modulation order M = 2, A = 2 for M > 2,
π
M RC C SR SR SD
D = sin M , and erfc(·) is the complementary error function.
In case of FSO transmission, the inner integral in (16) is solved The conditional SER can be represented in terms of Meijer G
by substituting (9) and using [33, Eq. (2.24.2.2)]. The resul- function as [32, Eq.(07.34.03.0619.01)]
  
tant expression is further simplified using [33, Eq.(6.11.1.1)]. A 2  1
p(e|γ) = √ G2,0

D γ  0, 2 ,
1 (24)
Finally, the integral is solved using [33, Eq. (2.24.2.2)] to get 2 π 1,2
the exact expression as
∞       and it can also be represented using McLaurin series [29, Eq.
 SD1 − n1α
X  1 (3.321)] as
Fγ f (γ)= An1G4,1 4,1

v
1,5 RD γ  RD G v γ
C B2,n1, 0 1,5 SD B1 , −n1− RD 2
n =0 1
" ∞
#
A 2 X 2n4 +1
(18) p(e|γ) = 1− √ An γ 2 . (25)
2 π n =0 4
RD 4
where An1 , B2,n1 are given in Table I. In case of RF trans-
mission, we solve (16) as in [28] to get the exact expression where An4 is given in Table I. The average SER during non-
as outage period can be calculated in terms of the average SER
∞ mRD +n of individual FSO and MMW RF links and is given by
X X 2 k1 C m  m 
Fγ r (γ) = Cn2 γ n2, k1 γ Ck1 , wSD γ , (19) f
BM f f r r
C RC (γth ) + Fγ f M RC
(γth )BM RC (γth )
n2 =0 k1 =0 SERM RC = , (26)
k1 m m
1 − PM RC
where Cn2 , Cn2, k1 and Ck1 are given in Table I. By substi- f
f
where PM RC is given by (15) and Fγ f (γth ) is given by
tuting (11) and (18) into (17), we obtain Fγ f (γth ) and by M RC
M RC
r
(17). The PDF of both FSO and RF sub-systems, obtained by
substituting (14) and (19) into (17), we obtain Fγ r (γth ). differentiating (17) with respect to γ, is given by
M RC
By substituting Fγ f (γ) and Fγ r (γ) into (15), outage
M RC M RC
probability of the proposed system is obtained. fγ T (γ) = fγ T (γ) − fγ T (γ)Fγ T (γ) − Fγ T (γ)fγ T (γ)
M RC C C SR C SR
In order to obtain the PDF fγ f (γ), we recalculate Fγ f (γ)
C C + fγ T (γ)Fγ T (γ) + fγ T (γ)Fγ T (γ). (27)
and the inner integral in (16) is solved using [33, Eq. SR SD SD SR

(2.24.2.2)]. The resultant expression is further simplified using Using (27), the average SER of FSO and RF sub-systems,
[33, Eq.(6.11.1.1)]. Finally, the remaining integral is solved by T T
when γM RC > γth , is given by (28).
substituting (10) and using [29, Eq.(3.191)] to get the exact
expression as V. A SYMPTOTIC A NALYSIS
∞   
RD X 1 4,1  1 The closed-form expressions for outage probability and
Fγ f (γ) = A1 JSD G v γ RD
C n1 ! 1,5 RD  B2,n1 , 0
n1 =0
average SER are very complex to study the effect of var-
ious system parameters. Hence, it is important to derive
2 SD
X SD asymptotic expressions to get more insights about the system
× `1g Jg,n B (c, cn1 ) γ µg,n , (20)
performance and also to derive diversity order of the system.
g=1
Generally, at high SNR values, the outage probability and
j j j
where A1 , Jj , vj `1g , B2,n1
,Jgn , c, cn1 , µjgn are given in average SER of a certain

−Gdtransmission link can be expressed

−Gd
Table I, j ∈ {SD, RD}, and B(·, ·) is the beta function [29, as PM RC ≈ Gc γ̄ f and SERM RC ≈ Gc γ̄ f

∞ 2 ∞  
 −1, 0
 SD    
RD X 1 X X SD SD SD  1
fγ f (γ)=A1 JSD `1g Jgn B (c, cn1 ) γ µgn G4,2 v γ
2,6 RD 
 RD + µgnγ µgn−1 4,1
G v γ
1,5 RD 
 RD (21)
C n ! B2,n1, 0, −1 B2,n1, 0
n =0 1 g=1
1 n=0
m m
∞ mRD +n2 Ck −1 Ck −1
 1 p1 1 p1 +1 
X X k1 m m C
m X wSD m,p1 C
m,p1
−1
X wSD C
m,p1

fγCr (γ)= Cn2(Ck1 −1)! Cn2, k1 γ n2, k1 − Cn2, k1 γ n2, k1 e−wSD γ + γ n2, k1 e−wSD γ (22)
n =0 p =0
p1 ! p =0
p1 !
2 k1 =0 1 1
 6

Z∞ Z∞ Z∞
T T
BM RC (γth ) = p(e|γ)fγM RC (γ)dγ = p(e|γ)fγ T (γ)dγ − p(e|γ)fγ T (γ)Fγ T (γ)dγ
C C SR
γth γT γT
th th
| {z } | {z }
B T (γ T ) BT (γ T )
C th C,SR th

Z∞ Z∞ Z∞
− p(e|γ)fγ T (γ)Fγ T (γ)dγ + p(e|γ)fγ T (γ)Fγ T (γ)dγ + p(e|γ)fγ T (γ)Fγ T (γ)dγ . (28)
SR C SR SD SD SR

γT γT γT
th th th
| {z } | {z } | {z }
BT (γ T ) BT (γ T ) BT (γ T )
SR,C th SR,SD th SD,SR th

f f r r
The detailed derivations of each term in (28) for BM RC
(γth ) and BM RC
(γth ) are given in Appendix A and B, respectively.

∞ X
4
respectively, where Gc is the coding gain of the system and X SD,n1 RD,n1  −vSD  f −vRD
Fγ∞f (γth
f
)' An1 Λ2,k Λ3,k γ̄SD f
γ̄RD ,
Gd is the diversity order of the system. Mathematically, the C
n1 =0 k=1
diversity order is defined as (33)
log(PM RC ) log(SERM RC )
Gop = −lim , GSER = −lim . SD,n1 RD,n1
f
γ̄ f →∞ log(γ̄ ) γ̄ f →∞ log(γ̄ f ) where Λ2,k and Λ3,k are given in Table II. By substi-
tuting (32) and (33) into (30), we obtain Fγ∞f f
(γth ). It is
M RC
A. Outage Probability inferred from (34), given on the top of next page, that the
f
We assume that the average electrical SNR of any given diversity order depends on Fγ∞f (γth ) or Fγ∞f (γth
f
)Fγ∞f (γthf
).
C SR SD
FSO link (γ̄ f ) goes to infinity for a fixed value of average f
To calculate the diversity order, we assume γ̄SD f
= γ̄SR f
= γ̄RD =
SNR of RF links. The asymptotic outage probability is given f
γ̄ . Therefore, the diversity order is given by Gop = vi + vj ,
by where i ∈ {SR, RD} and j = SD. It can be written as
f∞
PM RC
= Fγ∞f f
(γth )Fγ r r
(γth ), (29) α β
Gop = min{ α2i , β2i } + min{ 2j , 2j }. Since α > β in (8), the
M RC M RC
β
diversity order can be simplified as Gop = β2i + 2j . If β = βj
where Fγ r (γth ) is given by (17) and Fγ∞f
r f
(γth ) is given
M RC M RC = βi , then the diversity order is given by Gop = β.
by   B. SER Analysis
Fγ∞f f
(γth )=Fγ∞f (γ) 1−Fγ∞f (γ) +Fγ∞f (γ)Fγ∞f (γ). (30)
M RC C SR SR SD The asymptotic SER during non-outage period can be
Applying [29, Eq. (07.34.06.0040.01)] in (11), the CDF of calculated in terms of the average SER of individual FSO and
the end-to-end SNR in the asymptotic regime is given as MMW RF links and is given by
4 j
∞
h i−B1,k f f ∞ f r r
BM RC (γth ) + Fγ f (γth )BM RC (γth )
X j j f
∞ f
Fγ f (γth ) ' A1 Λ1,k γ̄j , (31) ∞ M RC
j SERM RC = ∞ , (35)
k=1
1 − PM RC
where Λj1,k is given in Table II and j ∈ {SD, SR}. The ∞
r r ∞
series in (31) can be further simplified by taking only the where BM RC (γth ), PM RC and Fγ f are given by (28), (29)
M RC
k th term that is related to the minimum value of B1,k . Such and (30) respectively. Using fγ f (γ) in (27) in the asymp-
an assumption is justified by the fact that at γ̄jf → ∞,
M RC
totic regime, the asymptotic average SER of FSO sub-system,
j
iB1,k f f
h
j when γM RC > γth , is given by (36). It is inferred from (37)
we have term (αβ)2 γth f
/16γ̄jf → 0 for large B1,k values.
that the diversity order depends on BC∞f (γth f ∞f
) or BSR,SD f
(γth )
Accordingly, we get ∞f f
X4
j
h i−vj or BSD,SR (γth ). Using similar arguments while calculating
Fγ∞f (γth
f
)' Aj1 Λ1,k γ̄jf , (32) Gop , the diversity order is given by GSER = β2i + 2j or
β
j
k=1
GSER = β.
α β
where vj = min{ 2j , 2j }. By applying [32, Eq. VI. N UMERICAL R ESULTS AND D ISCUSSIONS
TABLE II In the simulations, the FSO link parameter values (i.e. α
N OTATIONS USED IN A SYMPTOTIC OUTAGE A NALYSIS and β) are calculated from (8), where a point receiver is used
j
j j j 2 f B1,k
Q4
i.e. D << Lj leading to d = 0 [30]. In this case, α and β

Γ(B1,q −B1,k )Γ(B1,k ) (αj βj ) γ
Λj1,k = q=1,q6=k th
Γ(1+B1,k )
j 16 are functions of χ2 , which is further dependent on Cn2 and
j
Q4 j j
Γ(B1,q −B1,k )Γ(n1 +B1,k )
j 
(αj βj )2 γ f
B1,k Lj as reflected by (8). We consider LSD = LSR + LRD and
Λj,n 1
2,k =
q=1,q6=k
α j 16
th
LSR = LRD = 0.5LSD . We assume mSD = mSR = mRD =
Γ(1+n1 + 2j +B1,k )
j j j
j
B2,n m = 5 for which Nakagami-m distribution perfectly models
Γ(B2,n ,q −B2,n ,k )Γ(B2,n ,k ) (αj βj )2 γ f
Q4 
1 ,k
Λj,n fading over MMW RF channel [6], [7] and [9]. The values
1 q=1,q6=k 1 1 1 th
3,k = Γ(1+B
j
) 16
2,n1 ,k
of FSO and RF parameters used in the simulations are given
(07.34.06.0040.01)] in (18), Fγ∞f (γth
f
) in the asymptotic in Table III. For all the plots, we assume weather condition
C
regime is given as as clear air unless otherwise stated, however the turbulence
 7

 f −vSD  f −vRD  f −vSD  f −vRD  f −vSR h i−vSR h i−vSD

f f
Fγ∞f f
(γth ) ∝ γ̄SD γ̄RD − γ̄SD γ̄RD γ̄SR + γ̄SR γ̄SD . (34)
M RC | {z } | {z }
∞ ∞
| {z }
f terms of F (γ)F (γ)
terms of F ∞
f (γth ) f f terms of F ∞ (γ)F ∞ (γ)
γ γ γ f f
C C SR γ γ
SR SD

∞ Z∞ Z∞ Z∞
f f
BM RC (γth ) = p(e|γ)fγ∞f (γ)dγ = p(e|γ)fγ f (γ)dγ − p(e|γ)fγ∞f (γ)Fγ∞f (γ)dγ
∞
M RC C C SR
f f f
γth γth γth
| {z } | {z }
f ∞ f f ∞ f
BC (γth ) BC,SR (γth )
Z∞ Z∞ Z∞
− p(e|γ)fγ f (γ)Fγ f (γ)dγ + p(e|γ)fγ f (γ)Fγ f (γ)dγ + p(e|γ)fγ∞f (γ)Fγ∞f (γ)dγ . (36)
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
SR C SR SD SD SR
f f f
γth γth γth
| {z } | {z } | {z }
f ∞f f ∞ f f ∞ f
BSR,C (γth ) BSR,SD (γth ) BSD,SR (γth )

The detailed derivation of (36) is given in Appendix C.

∞
f f  f −vSD  f −vRD  f −vSR  f −vRD  f −vSD
BM RC (γth ) ∝ γ̄SD γ̄ − γ̄ γ̄RD γ̄SD
| {z RD } | SR {z }
f ∞ f f ∞
f
terms of BC (γth ) terms of BC,SR (γth )
 f −vSR  f −vRD  f −vSD h f i−vSR h f i−vSD h f i−vSD h f i−vSR
− γ̄SR γ̄RD γ̄SD + γ̄ γ̄SD + γ̄SD γ̄SR . (37)
| {z } | SR {z } | {z }
f ∞f
terms of BSR,C (γth ) f f ∞ f ∞ f
terms of BSR,SD (γth ) terms of BSD,SR (γth )

TABLE III alyzed the average SER performances of FSO and RF sub-
PARAMETER OF FSO AND RF SUB - SYSTEMS [3], [4] systems with extensive simulation studies. Fig. 3a shows the
FSO Parameter Symbol Value average SER performance curves for the FSO and RF systems,
Wavelength λ1 1.55µm
without switching scheme, with respect to the threshold SNR
Transmit Power Pjf 50 mW
A
(γth ) for different values of average SNR of the FSO and RF
Responsivity η 0.5 W
Noise variance σ12 10 −14 links (γ̄ f and γ̄ r ), respectively. From Fig. 3a, the threshold
SNR values for the FSO and RF systems to satisfy the target
RF Parameter Symbol Value
Carrier Frequency fc 60 GHz
SER of 10−3 are observed to be different and are given by
Transmit Power Pjr 10 mW 4.8 dB and 9 dB, respectively. These values are obtained
Transmit Antenna Gain Gt 44 dBi by considering the average SNR values corresponding to the
Receive Antenna Gain Gr 44 dBi worst case performances of FSO and RF systems, which are
Attenuation (oxygen) αoxy 15.1 dB/km
Fading severity parameter m 5
noticed at γ̄ f = 0 dB and γ̄ r = 0 dB. In case of switching
Noise Power Spectral Density No -114 dBm/MHz based hybrid FSO/RF system, Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c show the
Receiver Noise Figure Nf 5 dB average SER performance curves with respect to the threshold
Weather dependent parameters of FSO and RF channels SNR for different values of average SNR of RF and FSO
2
Weather Conditions α1 (dB/km) αrain (dB/km) Cn2 (m− 3 ) links, respectively. To satisfy the target SER value of 10−3 ,
Clear air 0.43 0 5 × 10−14 the threshold SNR value is obtained by considering the worst
Haze 4.2 0 1.7 × 10−14 case performance of hybrid FSO/RF system, which is noticed
Moderate rain 5.8 5.6 5 × 10−15
at γ̄ f = 0 dB and γ̄ r = 4 dB. The threshold SNR value for
the hybrid FSO/RF system is observed to be a common value
conditions are varied by varying Cn2 . For simplicity, all the of γth = 6.5 dB.
results are plotted for independent and identically distributed
To choose between the different or a common values of
(i.i.d) scenario. However, the results can also be extended to
the threshold SNR, we have plotted the average SER curves
non-i.i.d scenario as well. It is found that the summation limits
with respect to the average SNR of FSO links in Fig 4 and
in (10), (18), (19), (25) and the obtained equations using these
compared the performance for different values of average SNR
limits for computing the exact outage probability and average
of RF links. It can be observed that the hybrid FSO/RF system
SER values can be truncated to n = 50, n1 = 50, n2 = 100,
with common threshold value i.e.(γth = 6.5 dB) performs
and n4 = 50. Because, n > 50, n1 > 50, n2 > 100, and n4 f
better than the system with different threshold i.e.(γth = 4.8
> 50 do not have an impact on the fifth decimal figure of the r
dB and γth = 9 dB). Therefore, we have used common
outage probability and average SER values.
threshold values for further analysis of hybrid FSO/RF system.
However, for plotting the results of the individual FSO system
A. Threshold SNR or RF system, we have used the different values of threshold
To obtain the optimum threshold SNR value for the pro- SNR. Here, the target SER is considered as a trade off
posed switching based hybrid FSO/RF system, we have an- parameter across the performance and overall capacity of the
 8

Separate systems with no Switching RF system with MRC 10 -2 10 -2

Switching based hybrid Switching based hybrid FSO/RF system with MRC
FSO/RF system with MRC Avg RF SNR = 4 dB (worst case )
10 -2
Average SER

Average SER
Average SER
10 -3
Avg RF SNR = 1 dB
10 -3 10 -3
Avg RF SNR = 2 dB
10 -4 Avg SNR = 0 dB
Avg RF SNR = 3 dB
Avg SNR = 5 dB
Avg RF SNR = 4 dB
Avg SNR = 10 dB FSO system with MRC Avg FSO SNR = 0 dB
Avg RF SNR = 5 dB
Avg FSO SNR = 5 dB
Avg RF SNR = 6 dB Avg FSO SNR = 0 dB
Avg FSO SNR = 10 dB
10 -6 Avg RF SNR = 7 dB (worst case ) 10 -4
0 1 2 3 4 4.8 6 7 8 9 10 -4 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 6.5 7 8
f
th
/ rth 0 1 2 3 4
th
5 6 6.5 7 8
th

f r for different γ̄ r and γ̄ f ,

(a) SER vs γth and γth (b) SER vs γth for γ̄ f = 0 dB and different γ̄ r (c) SER vs γth for γ̄ r = 4 dB and different γ̄ f
respectively
Fig. 3. Average SER vs γth for optimum threshold decision for hybrid FSO/RF system with MRC

Different
th
, RF SNR = 5 dB FSO MRC performance improvement is observed, especially in the low-
Different
th
, RF SNR = 10 dB
Common
th
, RF SNR = 5 dB SNR region. This is because at a very low value of γ̄ f , the
10-3 Common th
, RF SNR = 10 dB
high-quality RF link is being used frequently. Further, as the
Average SER

10-4
Different th : fth = 4.8 dB, rth = 9 dB
10-5 Common : fth = rth = 6.5 dB
th
0 5
Average SNR of FSO (dB)
Fig. 4. Average SER vs average SNR of FSO (γ̄ f ) for different values of
threshold SNR (γth ) and average SNR of RF (γ̄ r ) links
systems under consideration. Note that a very low value of
target SER can be achieved only at very high value of γth , but
the performance degrades in terms of capacity, as the system
will be in outage more frequently.
B. Results
Fig 4 also shows the variation of average SER with respect
to average SNR of FSO links for different values of γ̄ r
assuming strong turbulence condition. The effect of the RF
sub-system in a switching-based hybrid FSO/RF system is
observed by fixing the value of LSD = 3000 m, γth = 6.5
dB, and varying the value of average SNR of RF links (γ r ).
It is observed that as we increase the value of γ r , there is
a significant improvement in the performance of the hybrid
FSO/RF system. It is noticed that the hybrid FSO/RF system
with MRC offers the SNR gain value of 7 dB and 4dB for
γ r = 10 dB and γ r = 5 dB, respectively, to achieve the average
SER value of 10−5 , compared to the FSO system. When
the quality of RF link is high (i.e. γ̄ r =10 dB), considerable
100
L SD = 3000 m
average SNR of FSO link (γ̄ f ) slightly increases, the FSO
C2n =1 x 10 -13 link is used more often, which is weaker than the RF link
and hence, degradation in the SER performance is initially
observed. When γ̄ f increases further, the FSO links become
stronger and improvement in the SER performance is obtained.
Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b show the outage performance and
10 15 20 25 average SER curves with respect to the average SNR of FSO
links (γ̄ f ), respectively, where average SNR of MMW RF links
are given by γ̄r = 10 dB. For Fig. 5a, Cn2 = 3 × 10−14
2 2
m− 3 and for Fig. 5b, Cn2 = 1 × 10−13 m− 3 , which
are the values of refractive index of FSO links at moderate
and strong turbulence conditions, respectively. The simulated
outage probability and average SER values closely match with
the analytical results for all the SNR values as seen from
the figures. This observation justifies the correctness of the
proposed analysis. The derived asymptotic outage and SER
values is sufficiently tight with the analytical outage and SER
values at high SNR, as seen in the figures. Further, it is noticed
that the diversity gain is affected by the atmospheric turbulence
parameters. From the plots, it is observed that the proposed
cooperative hybrid FSO/RF system outperforms the individual
cooperative FSO system due to switching benefits. It is also
observed from the figures that the proposed hybrid FSO/RF
with MRC achieves the outage and SER value of 10−5 with
the SNR gain of more than 6 dB compared to the FSO system
with MRC. The hybrid FSO/RF system with MRC achieve an
outage and SER value of 10−5 with the SNR gain of more than
10 dB compared to SH hybrid FSO/RF system. Moreover, this
phenomenon confirms that by exploiting the diversity benefit
of DH scenario with MRC, we can achieve outage and SER
Hybrid FSO/RF selective DF relaying
FSO Selective DF relaying

10-4 C2n = 1 x 10 -13

Outage Probability

r
10-5 = 10 dB
Average SER

Conventional DF
10-6 relaying (simulation only)
SH Hybrid FSO/RF SH Hybrid FSO/RF
10-10 Hybrid FSO/RF MRC
L SD = 2000 m
FSO Conventional DF relaying
FSO MRC C2n = 3x10-14 Hybrid FSO/RF Conventional DF relaying
Simulations Asymptotic
Asymptotic
r
= 10 dB 10-8 L SD = 3000 m
Simulations
10-15
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 0 10 20 30 40 50
Average SNR of FSO (dB) Average SNR of FSO (dB)
(a) Outage probability vs average SNR of FSO links (γ̄ f ) (b) Average SER vs average SNR of FSO links (γ̄ f )
Fig. 5. Analytical, asymptotic, and simulated outage and SER performance plots
 9

100 clear air

Clear air
haze
Haze 10-3
Outage Probability

Rain rain

10-2

Average SER
10-4

10-4 L = 5000 m L SD = 5000 m

SD 10-5
r
p = 10 dBm p r = 10 dBm
DH hybrid FSO/RF system with MRC DH hybrid FSO/RF system with MRC
10-6 10-6
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 0 5 10 15 20
Pf (dBm) Pf (dBm)
(a) Outage probability vs transmit power of FSO links (P f ) (b) Average SER vs transmit power of FSO links (P f )
Fig. 6. Performance in different attenuation conditions

performance improvement. In Fig.5b, we have also plotted FSO/RF system (with γ̄ r = 10 dB) and for the FSO system.
the average SER performance of the hybrid FSO/RF system It is observed that at high SNR, the average SER curves for
with conventional DF relaying. It is noticed that the hybrid hybrid FSO/RF system merge with the SER curve of FSO
FSO/RF system offers the SNR gain value of 6.5 dB for both system while attaining the same slope. This shows that at high
conventional and selective DF relaying when compared to the SNR, the hybrid FSO/RF system completely depends on the
respective FSO systems, to achieve the average SER value FSO sub-system regardless of the SNR of the RF sub-system
of 10−5 . Thus, the error propagation in case of conventional due to priority given for FSO transmission. Therefore, this
DF relaying does not affect the SNR gain offered by hybrid shows that the RF sub-system does not contribute in improving
FSO/RF system compared to FSO system. It is to be noted that the diversity gain of the overall system. However, RF sub-
the SNR gain of 2.5 dB is attained for selective DF relaying system helps in improving the coding gain of the system.
over conventional DF relaying due to the probability of error
propagation in conventional DF relaying scenario. Further, the
use of the error correcting codes can be used to improve the 10-2 strong turbulence (C2n = 1 x 10-13)
Average SER

performance of conventional DF relaying scheme.

Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b show the outage probability and average
SER of the proposed system with respect to the FSO transmit weak turbulence (C 2n = 4 x 10-15)
power for different weather attenuation conditions (Table III). 10 -4

From the plots, it is observed that the hybrid FSO/RF system in BPSK
QPSK
clear air conditions outperforms the haze and rain conditions 8PSK
due to less severe weather attenuation. However, it is also
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
observed that the system in rainy conditions outperforms clear Average SNR of FSO (dB)
air and haze conditions in high SNR region even though Fig. 8. Average SER vs average SNR of FSO links (γ̄ f ) for different
the attenuation rain conditions is high. This is due to the modulation order and turbulence
fact that the atmospheric turbulence is low for the high Fig. 8 shows the average SER versus average SNR of FSO
attenuation weather condition (refer Table III). Therefore, it for binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift
observed that the atmospheric turbulence has severe effect keying (QPSK), and 8-PSK modulation schemes assuming
on the performance of the hybrid FSO/RF system than the strong atmospheric turbulence condition, γ̄ r = 10 dB and
weather attenuation. LSD = 3000m. The SER performance of the BPSK mod-
ulation scheme is better than QPSK and 8-PSK modulation
10-2
FSO MRC schemes, as expected. We have also plotted the average SER
r
Hybrid FSO/RF MRC, = 10 dB (fixed) performance curves for strong and weak turbulence conditions
Hybrid FSO/RF MRC 2
assuming Cn2 = 1 × 10−13 and 4 × 10−15 m− 3 , respectively
Average SER

[27]. We can observe that the proposed system performs better

10-3
under weak turbulence conditions. For example, the proposed
system achieves an average SER value of 10−2 with the
SNR gain of more than 11 dB compared to strong turbulence
L SD = 5000 m condition.
10-4
C2n = 1 x 10 -13 Fig. 9 shows the performance of the proposed system for
0 5 10 15 20 25 different link distance values and fading severity parameter
Average FSO and RF SNR (dB) mj under strong turbulence condition. From (8), the values of
Fig. 7. Average SER vs average SNR of FSO and RF links (γ̄ f =γ̄ r ) αSD and βSD considering LSD = 3000 m are given by 2.184
In Fig. 7, we have plotted the average SER with respect and 1.187, respectively. And, the value of αSR = αRD and
to the average SNR of FSO and RF links (γ̄ f = γ̄ r ), where βSR = βRD considering LSR = LRD = 1500 m are given by
the values of γ̄ f and γ̄ r are varied simultaneously. We have 2.316 and 1.847, respectively. Similarly, they are calculated for
also plotted the average SER with respect to γ̄ f for the hybrid the case when LSD = 1000 m. It is observed that the hybrid
 10

10-3 Now the average SER of FSO sub-system during the outage
L SD = 3000 m f f
period (i.e. γM RC < γth ) is given by
Hybrid FSO/RFsystem
f
10-4
L SD = 1000 m
Zγth
fout
Average SER

f
BM RC (γth ) = p(e|γ)fγ f (γ)dγ. (40)
M RC
m SD = 5, m SR = 5, m RD = 5
0
10-5 m SD = 5, m SR = 5, m RD = 5
m SD = 1, m SR = 2, m RD = 2
r
= 10 dB f f
m SD = 0.5, m SR = 0.5, m RD = 1 Each term in (28) is solved using (39) and (40). Bj,i (γth ) in
C2n = 1 x 10 -13
10-6
FSO MRC
(28), where j ∈ {SR, SD} and i ∈ {SD, SR} is solved using
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 (38). We substitute (10), (11) and (24) in (39) and using [32,
Average SNR of FSO (dB) f
Eq. (07.34.21.0013.01)], Bj,i is given by
Fig. 9. Average SER vs average SNR of FSO links (γ̄ f ) for different values
of link distance L 2 X∞   i 
f A j
X `1,g i 4,3 vj  B3,g,n
FSO/RF system with a shorter link distance greatly improves Bj,i = √ A1 Ji J G
2µign g,n 3,6 j,i ,
2 π g=1 n=0 D
D2  B4,g,n
the SER performance. This is because, as the value of LSD
(41)
increases, the values of αSD and βSD decreases and the system
where Aj1 , Ji , `1,g , Jg,n
i
and vj are given in Table I and
is more prone to atmospheric turbulence, which affects the i j,i
B3,g,n , B4,g,n are given in Table IV. Substituting (10), (11)
performance to a greater extent. For plotting the non-identical
and (25) into (40) and using [32, Eq. (07.34.21.0084.01)], the
values of MMW RF links, we assume: a) mSD = 1, mSR = 2, fout
exact expression for Bj,i (γth ) is given by
and mRD = 2 and b) mSD = 0.5, mSR = 0.5, and mRD = 1 and
for the identical case, we assume mSD = mSR = mRD = m = 4 ∞
AAj1 Ji X X i
  i 
fout f 4,2 f  B5,g,n

5. It is noticed that the hybrid FSO/RF system offers the SNR Bj,i (γth ) = l3,g,n G2,6 vj γth  j,i ,
gain value of 9 dB and 7dB for identical and non-identical 2 g=1 n=0 B6,g,n
scenarios, respectively, to achieve the average SER value of (42)
3 × 10−5 , compared to the FSO system. Thus, due to high
fading severity, there is a decrease in the SNR gain of around i,n4 i,n4 j,i,n4
where l3,g,n , B5,g,n and B6,g,n are given in Table IV. BCf (γthf
)
2 dB for non-identical scenario. We have also verified the
in (28) is solved using (38). We substitute (21) and (24) in
theoretical analysis performed for identical and non-identical f
(39) and by using [32, Eq. (07.34.21.0013.01)], BC is given
scenarios using simulations. The trends of the plots suggest j
by (43), on the top of the next page, where µg,n , c, and
that the proposed hybrid FSO/RF system performs well for
cn1 are given in Table I. Substituting (21) into (40) and by
both the scenarios compared to the existing FSO system.
using similar approach as in (42), the exact expression for
fout
VII. C ONCLUSIONS BC (γth ) is given by (44), on the top of the next page, where
SD,n4 RD,SD,n4
f f
In this paper, we proposed a novel switching scheme for B7,g,n and B8g,n are given in Table IV. BC,SR (γth ) in
a selective DF-relaying-based hybrid FSO/RF system with (28) is solved using (38). We substitute (11), (21) and (23) in
MRC. We investigated the performance of the proposed (40). We use [29, Eq.(9.301)] to expand the Meijer G functions
scheme by obtaining the exact and asymptotic outage probabil- and the integral is solved using [35, Eq. (4.1.11)]. Using [34],
ity and average SER expressions in closed-form. It is inferred we obtain a generalized Meijer G function of two variables
f
from the asymptotic expression that the diversity order of and the final expression for BC,SR is given by
the proposed system is equal to β. It is observed from the
SR RD ∞ 2 ∞
simulation results that the proposed hybrid system with MRC AA1 A1 JSD X 1 X f
X SD

performs better than the SH hybrid system and cooperative √ BC,SR = `1,g Jg,n B (c, cn1 )
2 π n !
n1 =0 1 g=1 n=0
FSO system with MRC due to diversity and switching benefits,
SD SD
3
  
−1, 0

respectively. 2,0:4,1:4,2 µg,n+ 2 , µg,n+1 1 
  v vRD
G
 2,1:1,5:2,6 SD SR RD
B , 0B − 1, 0, −1 D
 SR
2 , D 2
A PPENDIX A µg,n+ 2 1 2,n1
× SD
AVERAGE SER OF FSO SUB - SYSTEM D2(µg +1) !
SD SD
1 1 
  
In this appendix, we define all the terms in (28) to derive SD µ
2,0:4,1:4,1 g,n + 1, µg,n + 2  SR  RD
1  v v
f f µg,n G2,1:1,5:1,5 SD
B , 0 B , 0 D2 , D2 
 SR RD
the average SER of the FSO sub-system. BM RC (γth ) can be µg,n+ 23 1 2,n1
expressed as + SD
Z∞ D2µg,n
BMf f
(γth )= p(e|γ)fγ f (γ)dγ=BM f
−BMfout f
(γth ), (38) (45)
RC RC M RCRC

f
γth
Substituting (11), (21) and (25) into (40). We use [29,
where f
BM Eq.(9.301)] to expand the Meijer G functions and the integral
RC , the average SER of FSO system, is given by
Z∞ is solved using [29, Eq.(3.191.1)]. Using [34], we obtain a
f generalized Meijer G function of two variables and the final
BM RC = p(e|γ)fγ f (γ)dγ. (39) fout
M RC
0
expression for BC,SR (γth ) is given by
 11

TABLE IV
N OTATIONS USED IN (41), (42), (44), (46), AND (48)
i j,i j j
i i (γ f )µ1,n ,B1j , −µi1,n i ,1−µi1,n− n4+ 21 , 1 B7,3,n , −µ1,n− n4− 21 , −1, 0


l3,1,n , J1,n th
B4,1,n B5,3,n
µi2,n j,i j j
i i (γ f ) ,B1j , −µi2,n i ,1−µi2,n− n4+ 21 , 1 B7,4,n ,−µ2,n− n4− 21 , −1, 0,


l3,2,n , −J2,n th
B4,2,n B5,4,n
∞ 2A i 1
  j,i j i
j,i
√ 4J i (γ f )µ1,n +n4 + 2 , B1j , 0, - µi1,n−n4− 21
i n i ,1 − µi1,n , 1
P
l3,3,n ,− π 1,n th
B5,1,n B6,3,n B8,1,n ,B2 −1, 0, −1, −µ1,n−1
n4 =0
∞ 2A i 1
  j,i j i
j,i
√ 4 J i (γ f )µ2,n +n4 + 2 , B1j , 0, − µi2,n+n4+ 21
i n i ,1 − µi2,n , 1
P
l3,4,n , π 2,n th B5,2,n B6,4,n B8,2,n , B2 −1, 0, −1, −µ2,n− 1
n4 =0
j,i SD SD RD,SD RD SD
i
B3,1,n , 1, 1-µi1,n ,−µi1,n + 12 B6,1,n ,B1j , 0, −µi1,n B71,n ,−µ1,n , −1, 0 B83,n , B2 −1, 0, −1, −µ1,n−n4− 32
j,i SD SD RD,SD RD SD
i
B3,2,n ,1,1-µi2,n ,-µi2,n + 21 B6,2,n ,B1j , 0, −µi2,n B72,n ,−µ2,n , −1, 0 B84,n , B2 −1, 0, −1, −µ2,n−n4− 32

∞ ∞ 2 SD
RD
" SD SD
! SD SD
!#
AA1 JSD X X X`1,g Jg,n B (c, cn1 ) 1 4,4 vRD  −1, 0, µg,n , µg,n − 12 1
 
f SD 4,3 vRD 1, 1− µg,n, 2 − µg,n

BC = √ G RD SD +µg,n G3,6 RD SD (43)
2 π n=0n =0g=1 SD
n1 !D2µg,n D2 4,7 D2 B2,n1− 1, µg,n− 1, 0, −1 D2  B2,n1 , −µg,n , 0
1

∞ ∞
RD 4 X
"  SD !  SD !#
AA J X 1 X SD B SD  B5,g,n
f
BCfout (γth 1 f
G4,3 f  7,g,n 4,2
SD

)= l3,g,n B (c, cn1 ) γth 3,7 vRD γth  RD,SD +µg,n G2,6 vRD γth  RD,SD
 (44)
2 n =0
n 1 ! g=1n=0
B 8g,n B6,g,n
1

SR RD ∞ 4 ∞ Z∞ √
fout f AA1 A1 JSD X 1 X X SD
BC,SR (γth )= l3,g,n B (c, cn1 ) N (λ, Ω, φ, a) = erfc(a Y )Y λ−1 e−ΩY dY
2 n !
n1 =0 1 g=1 n=0
" ! φ
SD   
f 1,0:4,1:4,2 B7,g,n+1 1  −1, 0 λ−1
a X Ω r Γ r+ 12 , (a2 + Ω)φ


f f
  
γthG1,1:1,5:2,6 SD SR RD v γ , v γ p Γ(λ, Ωφ)
B7,g,n+2B1 , 0B2,n1− 1, 0, −1
SR th RD th
= erfc(a φ) −√ 1
!# Ωλ π r=0 r! (a2 + Ω)r+ 2 ,
SD   
1,0:4,1:4,1 B7,g,n  1  1  f f (49)
+G1,1:1,5:1,5 SD SR RD vSR γth , vRD γth
B7,g,n+1  B1 , 0  B2,n1, 0 
where the expression in (49) is solved using integration by
(46) parts as in [6, Eq.(18)] using [29, Eq. (2.33.10) and (2.33.11)],
Γ (·, ·) is the upper incomplete gamma function [29, Eq.
f f
BSR,C (γth ) in (28) is solved using (38). We substitute (10), (8.350.2)] and
(18) and (23) in (39). The remaining expression is solved using Z∞ √
f
similar approach as in (45). The final expression for BSR,C is P (λ, φ, a) = erfc(a Y )Y λ−1 dY
given by φ
∞ 2 ∞ SR

f AJSR X X X Jg,n (−φ) λ

a−2λ

1

BSR,C = √ A `1,g
p
2 π n =0 n1 g=1 2µSR = erfc(a φ) + √ Γ λ + , a2 φ (50)
1 n=0 D
g,n λ λ π 2
SR SR 
!
1
 
2,0:4,1:4,1 µg,n+ 2 , µg,n  1 − n1 
  1  vSD vRD The integral in (50) is solved using MATHEMATICA. To
× G2,1:1,5:1,5 SR SD RD  , .(47) r
solve Bj,i r
(γth ), where j ∈ {SD, SR} and i ∈ {SR, SD}, we
µg,n + 1  B1  B2,n1  D2 D2
substitute (13), (14), and (23) in (28). Using [29, Eq.(8.352.6)]
r r
Substituting (10), (18) and (25) into (40) and similar approach and (49), Bj,i (γth ) is given by
m 
is used as in (46) to solve the remaining expression. The final r r
Awj j r
fout
expression for BSR,C f
(γth ) is given by Bj,i (γth )= N (mj , wj , γth , D)
2Γ(mj )
m i −1
∞ 4 X ∞
wik2

fout f AJSR X X SR
−
X
r
N (mj + k2 , wj,i , γth , D) (51)
BSR,C (γth )= An1 l3,g,n k2 !
2 n =0 g=1 n=0 k2 =0
1
SR    !
1,0:4,1:4,1 B7g  1 − n1  1  f f where wj,i , wj + wi . To solve BCr (γth
r
), we substitute (22)
× G1,1:1,5:1,5 SR SD RD vSD γth , vRD γth .
B7g + 1  B1  B2,n1  and (23) in (28). Using (49) and (50), BCr (γth
r
) is given by
(48) ∞ mRD +n2 "
A X X k1 m m
BCr (γth
r
)= r
Cn2 (Ck1 − 1)! P (Cn2, k1 , γth , D)
2 n =0
2 k1 =0
A PPENDIX B m
Ck −1
m X wp1 m,p1
1
m,p1
r
×Cn2, k1 − SD
Cn2, k1 N (Cn2, k1 , wSD , γth , D)
AVERAGE SER OF RF SUB - SYSTEM p 1 !
p =01
m
Ck −1 #
In this appendix, we define all the terms in (28) to derive X 1 p1 +1
wSD m,p1
r
the average SER of the RF sub-system. In order to derive (28), + N (Cn2, k1 + 1, wSD , γth , D) , (52)
p =0
p1 !
we define the following functions, as given by 1
 12

∞ mX+n2 SR −1
mX k2
A X RD
  
r r k1 m m m
r wSR m
r
BC,SR (γth )= Cn2 (Ck1 − 1)! Cn2, k1 P (Cn2, k1 , γth , D) − N (Cn2, k1 + k2 + 1, wSD , γth , D)
2 n =0 k2 !
2 k1 =0 k2 =0
m
Ck −1
1 p1  SR −1
mX k2 
X wSD m m,p1
r wSR m,p1
r
− (Cn2, k1 + p1 ) N (Cn2, k1 , wSD , γth , D) − N (Cn2, k1 + k2 , wSD,SR , γth , D)
p =0
p1 ! k2 !
1 k2 =0
m
Ck −1
1 p1 +1  SR −1
mX k2 
X wSD m,p1
r wSR m,p1
r
+ N (Cn2, k1 + 1, wSD , γth , D) − N (Cn2, k1 + k2 + 1, wSD,SR , γth , D) . (53)
p =0
p1 ! k2 !
1 k2 =0

∞ mX+n2 mSR mSD−1 k

r r A X RD k1 w m m
r
Xw 2 m
r
BSR,C (γth )= Cn2 SR (Ck1−1)!N (Cn2, k1+mSR , wSR, γth ,D) − SD
N (Cn2, k1+mSR+k2 , wSD,SR , γth , D).
2 n =0 Γ(mSR ) k2 !
2 k1 =0 k2 =0
(54)
∞
An1 4,2
            
 SD 1 − n1α  SD0, 1 − αn1
X  0, 1  1
G4,1 4,1 4,2
 
fγ f (γ)= G2,6 vRD γ  RD v γ +G v γ  RD G v γ
C γ B2,n,1 1, 0 1,5 SD  B1 , −n1− RD 2
1,5 RD 
B2,n,1 0 2,6 SD  B1 , −n1− RD 2 ,1
n =0
1
(56)

r
To solve BC,SR r
(γth ), we substitute (22) and (14) in (28). procedure to solve BC∞f (γthf
) is similar to that of solving (55).
r
Using [26, Eq.(8.352.6)], (49) and (50), BC,SR r
(γth ) is given Finally, the closed-form expression of BC∞f (γ f
 th ) is given by
r r ∞ X 4
by (53). To solve BSR,C (γth ), we substitute (19) and (13) in A X SD RD
r
(28). Using [26, Eq.(8.352.6)], (49) and (50), BSR,C r
(γth ) is BC∞f (γth
f
)= √ An Λx2,n1 ,k Λ2,k Λ5,n1 ,k
2 π n =0 1
1 k=1
given by (54). 
RD SD  f −vSD  f −vRD
+Λ3,n1 ,k Λ6,k γ̄SD γ̄RD , (57)
A PPENDIX C
SD RD RD SD
A SYMPTOTIC SER A NALYSIS OF FSO SUB - SYSTEM where Λ2,k , Λ3,n1 ,k are given in Table II, Λ5,n1 ,k , Λ6,k ,
In this appendix, we define the terms in (36) to derive the Λx2,n1 ,k and x2,n1 ,k are given in Table V. Using a similar
∞f f
asymptotic average SER of the hybrid system. By applying approach as in (55), a closed-form expression of BC,SR (γth )
[32, Eq. (07.34.06.0040.01)] in (9) and (11), the resultant is given by SR ∞ 4 
expression along with (24) are substituted into (36). The re- ∞f f AA1 X X SD RD SR
BC,SR (γth ) = √ An1 Λx3,n1 ,k Λ2,k Λ5,n1 ,k Λ1,k
maining integral is solved using [32, Eq. ( 07.34.21.0085.01)]. 2 π n =0
k=1
∞f
Finally, the closed-form expression of Bj,i f
(γth ), where j ∈  1
RD SD SR  f −vSR  f −vRD  f −vSD
{SR, SD} and i ∈ {SD, SR}, is given by +Λ3,n1 ,k Λ6,k Λ1,k γ̄SR γ̄RD γ̄SD ,
4 X 2
∞f f
X AAj1 Ai1 j (58)
Bj,i (γth )= √ Λ4,k3 Λi1,k Λx1,k3 ,k
2 π where Λx3,n1 ,k and x3,n1 ,k are given in Table V. The closed-
k=1k3 =1
∞f f
h i−vjh i−vi form expression for BSR,C (γth ) can be obtained with a similar
× γ̄jf γ̄if (55) approach used in (55) and the expression is given by
,
SR
∞ X 4 X 2
where Λi1,k
is given in Table II, Λj4,k3 ,
Λx1,k3 ,k , and x1,k3 ,k ∞f f
X AA1 An SR RD,n1 SD
are given in Table V. In order to obtain simple expressions BSR,C (γth ) = √ 1 Λ4,k3 Λ3,k Λ2,k
n1 =0 k=1 k3 =1
2 π
TABLE V  f −vSR  f −vRD  f −vSD
N OTATIONS USED IN A SYMPTOTIC SER A NALYSIS ×Λx4,n1 ,k,k3 γ̄SR γ̄RD γ̄SD , (59)
j
<
Λj4,k , 2q=1,q6=k3 Γ(<jq − <jk ) (αβ) k3
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3 3
B2,nj where Λx4,n1 ,k,k3 and x4,n1 ,k,k3 are given in Table V.
(αj βj )2

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Λj5,n ,k , 4q=1,q6=k Γ(B2,n1 ,q − B2,n1 ,k )
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 SD RD
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