Best exponential upper bounds to error probability obtainable by random coding for binary symmetric channels

Wolfowitz has given a formula for the calculation of the actual value of the random coding exponent for the Binary Symmetric Channel. The derivation of the formula, as carried out by him is first presented. Then the formula is used to analytically evaluate the value of the exponent. Comparison of this actual value with the best known bounds on it shows that, for the BSC at least, these bounds cannot be improved