Intraflow network coding on the data link layer for broadband PLC

This paper carries out a performance evaluation of network coding (NC) for power line communication (PLC) systems based on simulation and theoretical results. NC is deployed at the data link layer (DLL) where it could potentially improve the routing protocol, the MAC scheduler and the ARQ mechanisms. In this paper we focus solely on the combination of NC and ARQ mechanisms. Nevertheless, based on the G.hn standard, we are able to achieve a significant improvement in data rate and latency. We show the optimal setup of NC parameters like generation and symbol size to achieve the best performance of the ARQ mechanism in PLC systems.