Integration of Q-Learning with Maximal Ratio Combining to Enhance IoT Communications in Dynamic Fading Environments

This paper serves to show how Q-learning can be used in complement with Maximal Ratio Combining to better IoT communication systems under dynamic fading, high-density networks, and severe interference sources. The ML-enhanced MRC demonstrated promising improvements in signal strength and quality, allowing for performance that was either above or at least equal to the regular MRC. The ML-enhanced presented the added benefit of dynamic adaptation, modifying its performance to meet real-life needs by adapting to issues such as increased density and interference. These results support that integrating Q-learning into MRC-based frameworks significantly increases the reliability and efficiency of IoT communication protocols. Future investigations will aim to improve ML algorithms more appropriate for devices with few resources and evaluate their potential with state-of-the-art technology to foster future applications across intelligent IoT networks. These approaches have the potential to support more efficient operations and increased connectivity in IoT systems.