Using RLNC

Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC) enables next generation product offerings while simultaneously increasing the efficiency of existing, legacy systems.

It is an ingredient technology that provides remarkable product differentiation and can be inserted via a simple software patch.

RLNC libraries can easily be integrated in new and existing applications. Alternatively, a number of vendors provide project-tailored turn-key solutions.

For Executives

RLNC stands for Random Linear Network Coding. It is a powerful new technology that can be used to improve the performance of today’s communication and storage systems.

For example, RLNC can speed up the internet, improve video quality for streaming movies and live events, and decrease size while increasing reliability for the datacenters used for cloud computing.The benefits are huge. In some cases, we see 5-fold increases in throughput over the internet, 80% improvements in data availability for streaming video, and 20-50% reductions in storage center energy consumption.

Code On is a technology enabling company created to encourage innovation using RLNC. It does that by providing RLNC tools, training, and technical expertise via consulting services.

Code On’s goal is to provide basic RLNC building blocks and knowledge transfer so that its licensees can create their own proprietary solutions.

There are several ways to engage:

  • License Intellectual Property directly from Code On and build a solution from scratch.

  • Buy tools from the RLNC ecosystem and insert RLNC into your product or service.

  • Work with Code On or a systems integrator from the RLNC ecosystem to customize a solution.

  • Buy a RLNC product from a Code On licensee.

For Product Managers

What is RLNC?

Random Linear Network Coding or RLNC is a next-generation coding algorithm that more efficiently transmits information and simultaneously simplifies network communications.

What problem does RLNC solve?

When a laptop or smartphone fails to load a video or website, we’ve all been trained to check our connectivity: Is the WiFi working? How many bars do I have on my cell phone? Are there too many other users connected?

Reliable mobile connectivity is a huge problem, but a less often discussed challenge is network complexity. The Internet has grown through a patchwork of smart fixes and improvements to old technologies which were not designed for mobile devices. As a result, when mobile device connectivity fails the problem may occur at any point between the device and the website trying to provide the data. With the potential for many different types of degradations and the difficulty of addressing each real time, most service providers simply throw more resources at it (think: increased cost).

RLNC addresses failures of degradations by providing a more robust, reliable way to transport data. By way of example, even in networks with packet loss rates as high as 50%, RLNC can still stream video without interruption. Better yet, it provides this capability without increasing technical complexity.

How can I use RLNC in my products?

RLNC is typically inserted into a product using software tools. When properly implemented and tuned, these RLNC tools can provide order-of-magnitude increases in data throughput in networks.

However, RLNC is still in the early stage of market adoption so achieving an optimal RLNC implementation still requires specialized training. The way to achieve an optimal RLNC implementation: (1) have an implementing engineer attend a Code On training session; (2) hire Code On or a RLNC ecosystem systems integrator to architect a solution; or (3) buy a product from Code On licensee.

For Technologists

Random Linear Network Coding or RLNC is next-generation, highly versatile code that can improve transmissions in a range of different implementations at different layers of the network stack, across many verticals as outlined in the Solutions section

The Technology section explains RLNC’s unique capabilities through the FAQ section, a comparison of RLNC with traditional codes, as well as information about white papers on RLNC. It also provides links to tools for vendors and product solutions.

Additionally, see our FAQ section.