Buffer requirements for intermittent data transmission over a Rayleigh fading channel

Intermittent data transmission, that is, sending data only when the signal strength is above a desired threshold, has been shown to be extremely effective at combatting the effects of signal fading. However, such a system must usually interface with a uniform data source and sink by the use of finite buffers. When the buffer fills, transmission must occur during bad signal conditions and when it empties, no transmission can occur. The effect of such a finite buffer on system performance is derived and these theoretical results are validated using computer simulation. Finally, adaptive methods to improve performance are investigated and two areas of application of an intermittent system are examined.