Efficient source blocking algorithm for FEC for MBMS streaming

A computer code product for arranging a plurality of variable size data packets for FEC encoding and decoding, the computer code product comprising computer code configured to:

• Select a number of rows of an encoding block arranged in rows and columns;
• Fill the plurality of data packets into the columns of a encoding block by:
• if a data packet has a size smaller than the selected number of rows, entering the data packet into a column and padding the remaining rows with at least one padding symbol;
• or
• if a data packet has size larger than the selected number of rows, allowing the data packet to span across multiple columns and -padding a last column spanned by the data packet with at least one padding symbol;
• Append the filled encoding block with the FEC data blocks.

An encoder configured for encoding a plurality of variable size data packets for FEC, the encoder comprising:

• A processor;
• Memory;
• Wherein the processor is configured to Select a number of rows of an encoding block arranged in rows and columns;
• Fill the plurality of data packets into the columns of a encoding block by:
• if a data packet has a size smaller than the selected number of rows, entering the data packet into a column and padding the remaining rows with at least one padding symbol;
• or
• if a data packet has size larger than the selected number of rows, allowing the data packet to span across multiple columns and padding a last column spanned by the data packet with at least one padding symbol;
• Form FEC data blocks;
• and
• Append the filled encoding block with the FEC data blocks.

A system for signaling a hybrid-padding method of encoding data packets, the system comprising:

• A data packet including:
• A source block number;
• and
• A starting column number of the data packet;
• and
• An error correction packet including:
• A source block number;
• A starting column number of the error correction packet;
• A number of rows parameter;
• An N RS-code parameter;
• and
• A K RS-code parameter.