Coding on networks

Summary form only given. In conventional communication networks data protection is achieved via forward error correction (FEC) which are implemented in the physical (PHY) layer. In this paper we propose a novel technique that will provide additional reliability by exploiting excess network capacity and modifying upper layers (e.g. networking and applications). The proposed technique is generic and could be applicable to any existing network, both wired and wireless. Some examples of such networks include (but not limited to) WiMAX, 3G, WiFi, etc. In this particular research sponsored by EU Marie Currie TOK Project "net- on-demand" we focus our research on wireless ad-hoc sensor networks, which have a wide range of applications, varying from security to environment monitoring and e-HEALTH. In the main paper we describe a modified Galager algorithm for flow optimal routing, which allows redundant paths to be utilised for additional information protection. This would lead to higher reliability of the transmitted data and potentially to higher throughputs in the existing networks, thus providing additional services without capital expenditure. In the main paper we will present detailed description of the modified Galager algorithm and describe its implementation in the existing communication networks. We also will define a set of network parameters that will be used for comparison purposes and present simulation results that confirm and illustrate achieved goals.