Hamming Code: An Analysis of its Reliability and Efficiency in Computer Networks

Hamming code and Extended Hamming code are linear error-correcting codes used for detecting and correcting errors in digital data transmission. They help in maintaining data integrity and reliability by detecting and correcting errors introduced during transmission in various communication systems, including computer networks, storage devices, digital communication channels and other applications. This paper aims to analyze the reliability and efficiency of using of these codes for the purpose of detecting and correcting errors within computer networks. The performance of these codes was tested by developing a program in two steps: one for Hamming Code, and the other for Extended Hamming Code. Both codes were designed to test their error detection and correction capabilities under different scenarios. This study offers a detailed analysis of the strengths and limitations of Hamming Code and Extended Hamming Code in relation to error detection and correction, which shed light on why communication systems extensively rely on this type of coding, and how it significantly improves their dependability and effectiveness.