Pro forma

Abstract

Network coding treats data as mathematical objects which can be transformed at network nodes in contrast to the traditional multi-commodity fluid model for network information flow where data can only be replicated or routed. Most previous work in this area has been largely theoretical and simulation-based. The original aim of this project is thus to select and develop an encoder/decoder pair suitable for deploying the concept of network coding in practical systems such as a large-scale content distribution application. If time permitted, we further aimed at demonstrating how the encoder/decoder pair can be integrated into the application. Work Completed A family of encoder/decoder with suitable encoding/decoding time and memory requirement was selected, implemented in C/C++ and tested. These good codes are based on sparse matrices and iterative decoding. The content distribution network was simulated as a Packet Erasure Channel. We setup a private content distribution network of cTorrent clients and BNBT Trinity Edition tracker, devised a scheme for integrating the encoder/decoder into the cTorrent network for network coding, outlined the changes that need be made to cTorrent source code and described how they can be implemented