Performance analysis of LTE networks with random linear network coding

Random Linear Network coding (RLNC) has emerged as a promising solution for reliable multimedia delivery over mobile cellular networks. In this paper, we deploy Application Layer-RLNC (AL-RLNC) on the top of the existing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) in 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks. A simple implementation scenario composed of a user equipment, an eNB and a remote host is considered. Our results show that AL-RLNC improves the throughput and the coverage at a cost of a higher packet delay. In addition, we compare the performance when AL-RLNC is used to the performance with the advanced LTE system antenna technique Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO).