ABSTRACT
In this work we present a fully stochastic model of performance analysis of single- and multi-carrier modulations (SCM and MCM) in communication systems affected by impulsive noise. The key performance parameter of the model is the symbol error rate (SER), which is fully determined as a function of the system parameters, including the frame length, symbol power, white noise power, impulsive noise power, and the probability of the impulse events. We derive closed-form analytical expressions for the systems and compare them with simulation results, showing very good agreement for all the impulsive noise scenarios. Specifically, we show under which conditions a MCM system performs better than a SCM system, and vice versa, which can be used to apply an optimal control policy that minimizes SER. The developed model for SCM and MCM systems is conceptually applied to the Covid-19 phenomenology, and consequently the results obtained for SCM and MCM scenarios, are interpreted as decision and management of social distancing (lock/roam) policies. Specifically, we also show under which conditions the "roam" strategy performs better than the "lock" strategy, and vice versa, which can be used to develop an optimal control policy that minimizes the mortality rate (MR). However, the proposed analytical model for the Covid-19 scenario, obtained assuming the similarity with the SCM/MCM systems, could not be tested in full due to the lack of relevant data. Therefore, any management decision cannot be based (only) on the presented model adapted to Covid-19, and necessarily requests the integration of experts opinions. Author