Performance Evaluation of Network Coding in Middle-Sized Networks

In this paper we analyze performance of network coding focusing on two specific network coding schemes: XOR and random linear network coding. We have simulated different topologies and traffic patterns in order to provide better understanding of network coding behavior and its possible bottlenecks. As a part of our performance evaluation we address computational complexity of coding and decoding operations and benefits of network coding. In particular, we indicate potential drawbacks and trade-offs of network coding when applied on specific topologies. The conclusion is that even applied over robust networks, network coding is not a magic bullet for a better performance.