OFDM based multicast using erasure codes

We consider bit and power allocation in a multicast system based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. In this system the base station determines the bit loading for each subchannel and using erasure codes the users are able to obtain the original message if they are able to decode a fraction of sent subchannels. Multicast rate maximization problem in such a system has been recently studied, however no optimal solution was found. In this study we formulate this problem as a Binary Integer Program and solve it using standard tools. Then, the performance of some previously proposed suboptimal algorithms are compared with the optimal solution.