A Simple Adaptive Throughput Maximization Algorithm for Adaptive Modulation and Coding Systems with Hybrid ARQ

For delay-tolerant data services, adaptive transmission with the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) adjusted according to the instantaneous channel condition can maximize the throughput. In time-varying channels, the performance degradation of adaptive transmission caused by delayed or inaccurate channel condition feedback can be mitigated with the use of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ). With these two techniques jointly implemented, the selection of MCS becomes a complex process highly dependent on channel and system characteristics, and is usually difficult to be optimized analytically. Previously an adaptive algorithm capable of maximizing the throughput of systems employing adaptive transmission and HARQ was proposed. In this paper, we provide a much simpler, yet effective alternative for the same purpose.