Optimal channel switching for average capacity maximization in the presence of switching delays

In this study, the optimal channel switching problem is investigated for average capacity maximization in the presence of channel switching delays. First, the optimal strategy is obtained and the corresponding average capacity is derived when channel switching is performed among a given number of channels. Then, it is proved that channel switching among more than two different channels is not optimal. Also, the maximum average capacity achieved by the optimal channel switching strategy is expressed as a function of the channel switching delay parameter and the average and peak power limits. Then, scenarios in which the optimal strategy corresponds to the use of a single channel or to channel switching between two channels are described. Numerical examples are presented for showing the effects of channel switching delays. © 2016 IEEE