Distributed Luby transform coding for three-source single-relay networks based on the deconvolution of robust soliton distribution

The distributed Luby transform (LT) coding is investigated for the multisource networks, especially with three sources. Based on the three-source single-relay network model, the authors propose a threefold deconvolution method of the robust soliton distribution (RSD). The deconvolved distribution is used at each source, and a simple and feasible combining algorithm is developed for re-encoding at the relay. Such a modified LT code with three sources (MLT-3) is constructed. Simulation results verify that the overall degree distribution of the proposed MLT-3 codes agrees well with the RSD. The performance of MLT-3 codes is evaluated and compared with other coding schemes. Simulations reveal that MLT-3 codes have similar behaviour with the two-source or four-source distributed LT codes and the benefits are observed in comparison with the separate LT codes. Simulations also show that MLT-3 codes exhibit good performance on various erasure channels.