Index Code Design for Index Coded-NOMA Transmission in VANETs

Abstract

Data distribution in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) is delay sensitive in nature. Therefore, the development of efficient schemes to serve the demands of users with fewer transmissions is beneficial. Index coded NOMA (IC-NOMA) can provide improved spectral and power efficiency in VANETs. The improved performance of IC-NOMA can be achieved only if the index code design is suitably developed to fit with NOMA transmission principles. In this study, we consider a practical data dissemination scenario for VANETs where vehicles traveling at different speeds demand common data, such as popular multimedia content. For such a data distribution problem, a lower bound on the number of IC-NOMA transmissions is derived. This work also presents an index code solution for IC-NOMA transmission. The IC-NOMA with index code solution proposed in this work demonstrates enhanced performance in terms of power consumption, bandwidth utilization, and computational complexity.