When network coding improves the performances of clustered wireless networks

This paper introduces a network coding scheme that significantly increases the performances of clustering algorithms in wireless multi-hop networks. Knowing the promising capabilities of network coding over broadcast mediums, we propose a simple and non-invasive packet scheduling mechanism based on proactive code selection and overheard messages to optimize intra and inter-cluster communications. Our solution uses bitwise XOR operations at the packet level to combine several messages in one transmission. Simulations show an important gain in the network reliability, and a major enhancement of the throughput without any substantial computation or network overhead.