Code On is working to build an ecosystem based upon its proprietary coding algorithm, Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC), by licensing the technology to vendors that want to make mobile devices, cloud services and networks operate better. The company claims its technology "can be inserted opportunistically in existing systems or products--typically with only a few lines of software code."
RLNC was invented in 2003 via a collaborative effort across multiple universities. Seven years later, Code On spun the technology out of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Cambridge, Mass.-based Code On's initial ecosystem is made up mainly of small companies, a number of which are university spinoffs like it. Tools and enabling companies include Chocolate-Cloud, Steinwurf, Cloud Technology Partners and Speedy Packets. What Code On describes as partner "product companies" include iDirect, Streambolico and Apsi WiFi.
The linear algebra behind RLNC accelerates data speeds by dealing with the issue of dropped packets. Code On says RLNC combines the information of several packets into one, same-sized packet. Although the same number of packets still must be sent and received, the packets are made interchangeable.
"If Packet #21 does not arrive, the receiver can use Packet #22 as a substitute, avoiding the need to resend Packets #22 through #83," Code On said. The company notes this "packet versatility" enables RLNC to significantly slash packet resends and the associated signaling needed to track what were formerly lost packets.
The code can dramatically boost the performance of Wi-Fi or cellular networks, according to Code On. According to Code On, "Mobile Wi-Fi mesh experiments have shown that our technology brings 4x throughput gains and 3.6x reductions in file download times, all while consuming two to three orders of magnitude (i.e., 100x to 1000x) less energy than Wi-Fi uses for transmission for computation purposes."
"We can make even crappy wireless networks" 30 times faster, Laila Partridge, Code On's managing director and business founder told GigaOM.
For more:
- see this Code On FAQ
- see this GigaOM article
- see this Network World article
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