Rank-Metric Codes for Priority Encoding Transmission with Network Coding

The idea of priority encoding transmission (PET), although very useful to provide graceful degradation of performance in the presence of packet loss, presents a challenge when one tries to apply it in a random network coding environment. So far, the only solution proposed relies on the rateless feature of network coding and is therefore not suitable for delay-constrained applications. In this paper, a PET system based on rank-metric codes is proposed. This system can provide strict combinatorial guarantees of recovery. The system is also able to provide forward error correction of corrupt packets that could potentially be introduced by malicious users. Application of the system to streaming media broadcasting is proposed, illustrating the potential practical utility of this approach.