Comparison of Latency with Selective Repeat and Rateless Coding in Delayed Feedback Systems

In this work, we address packet reassembly latency using selective repeat and rateless coding strategies to achieve reliable data delivery in systems with feedback delay. The thrust of our work involves retrofitting existing space systems where physical layer changes are cost prohibitive. We develop a novel formula to characterize the latency inherent to both strategies analytically and in simulation with varying parameters. Our findings show that unique properties of rateless codes have quantifiable superior latency reduction as compared with a selective repeat strategy.