Analysis and Contrast Between STC and Spatial Diversity Techniques for OFDM WLAN with Channel Estimation

This paper regards an evaluation of different spatial diversity techniques contrasted to a Space-Time Code (STC) technique called Alamouti-scheme, applied to OFDM WLAN, using channel estimation based in the least squares criteria and with a limited preamble. The results here presented are based on IEEE802.11a Physical Layer simulations, but could be straightforward extended to HIPERLAN/2. The implications of using such a recent approach as STC, and conventional diversity schemes in existent WLAN standards are addressed, as well as the implications of using channel estimation.