Abstract: A method for use in a distributed storage system having a plurality of nodes, the method including receiving, at a source node, original data, encoding the original data into plurality of coded fragments using a linear code, transmitting at least a first one of the coded fragments from the source node to a first sink node. The method further includes receiving, at the source node, modified data, calculating, at the source node, a coded difference between the original data and the modified data, transmitting the coded difference from the source node to the first sink node; and recovering, at the first sink node, at least a first portion of the modified data using the coded difference and the at least a first one of the coded fragments.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and processes to provide file updating for distributed storage performed using linear codes, such as network codes and random linear network coding (RLNC). The processes enable efficiently updating coded file fragments without requiring a full upload of a new coded fragments. Separate processes for modifying, deleting, and adding data elements are described.