Abstract: Systems and methods for encoding packetized data include applying different codings to the header and the payload. The header of a data packet is encoded for error correction separately from the payload of the data packet. The use of separate error correction techniques for the header and payload of a packet permits optimization of each for use in a data network, and more particularly, in a wireless data network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for encoding packetized data include applying different codings to the header and the payload. The header of a data packet is encoded for error correction separately from the payload of the data packet. The use of separate error correction techniques for the header and payload of a packet permits optimization of each for use in a data network, and more particularly, in a wireless data network.

Abstract: This invention addresses Media Access Control (MAC) routing protocol that accounts for QoS constraints for IP traffic in MANETs. Methods and systems consistent with this example use a decentralized algorithm that is run by the participating nodes with a minimal amount of control packets adding to network overhead. Methods and systems consistent with this invention calculate a maximum available bandwidth (MAB) metric used in the MAC protocol. The MAB, along with other information may be shared among nodes in the MANET. The shared information is also used in computing the traffic loads in other parts of the MANET, and in identifying the available links that could support the QoS requirements. Then, the information concerning available links is used in the MANET routing algorithm.