On feedback for network coding

In this paper we examine possible ways that feedback can be used, in the context of systems with network coding capabilities. We illustrate, through a number of simple examples, that use of feedback can be employed for parameter adaptation to satisfy QoS requirements as well as for reliability purposes. We also argue that there are benefits in applying network coding to the feedback packets themselves, and finally, we examine the design of acknowledgment packets. These schemes operate at a network or application layer, and employ low complexity processing at intermediate nodes.