Advanced dab fec processing in packet mode utilizing tokens

A method for performing forward error correction (FEC) on protected data packets, the method comprising:

• creating a FEC table having columns for application data and columns for error-correction data (EC data);
• receiving a number of protected application data packets, the protected application data packets comprising application data, and EC data corresponding to the application data;
• placing data in the application data columns of the FEC table until the application data columns are full, wherein placing data in the application data columns comprises:
• determining if an application data packet is received;
• and
• if the application data packet is not received, placing generated zeroes in the application data column;
• and
• if the application data packet is received, placing the application data from the packet in the application data column;
• and
• placing EC data in the EC columns of the FEC table until the EC columns are full;
• feeding at least one row of the FEC table to a decoder;
• and
• correcting bits in the application data columns accordingly.