Maximization of correct decision probability via channel switching over Rayleigh fading channels

In this study, optimal channel switching (time sharing) strategies are investigated under average power and cost constraints in order to maximize the average number of correctly received symbols between a transmitter and a receiver that are connected via multiple additive Gaussian noise channels. The optimal strategy is shown to perform channel switching either among at most three channels with full channel utilization (i.e., no idle periods), or between at most two channels with partial channel utilization. In addition, it is stated that the optimal solution must operate at the maximum average power and the maximum average cost, which facilitates low-complexity approaches for calculating the optimal strategy. For two-channel strategies, an upper bound in terms of the noise standard deviations of the employed channels is provided for the ratio between the optimal power levels. Furthermore, a simple condition depending solely on the systems parameters is derived, under which partial channel utilization cannot be optimal. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the validity of the theoretical results.