Homomorphic error-control codes for linear network coding in packet networks

In this work, the homomorphism of the classic linear block code in linear network coding for the case of binary field and its extensions is studied. It is proved that the classic linear error-control block code is homomorphic network error-control code in network coding. That is, if the source packets at the source node for a linear network coding are precoded using a linear block code, then every packet flowing in the network regarding to the source satisfies the same constraints as the source. As a consequence, error detection and correction can be performed at every intermediate nodes of multicast flow, rather than only at the destination node in the conventional way, which can help to identify and correct errors timely at the error-corrupted link and save the cost of forwarding error-corrupted data to the destination node when the intermediate nodes are ignorant of the errors. In addition, three examples are demonstrated which show that homomorphic linear code can be combined with homomorphic signature, McEliece public-key cryptosystem and unequal error protection respectively and thus have a great potential of practical utility.