On the Performance of Random Linear Network Coding in Relay Networks

The authors compare the reliability performance gain of Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC) with Automatic Repeat ReQuest (ARQ) for a wireless relay network taking into account overhead and complexity of feedback mechanism as well as overhead due to encoding vector embedded in packet header under RLNC. The authors' goal is not to propose a new ARQ or RLNC error control protocol, but rather to study the fundamental properties of ARQ and RLNC under condition of finite block sizes. They consider an Enhanced ARQ (ARQ-E) scheme that exploits sender side path diversity between the sender and the relays as well as a Single Path Routing (ARQ-SPR) scheme that uses a hop-by-hop ARQ protocol.