Forward Error Correction
Forward Error Correction (FEC) is a method of error control in data transmission where redundant data is added to the original message, allowing the receiver to detect and correct errors without needing a retransmission request. It is widely used in digital communications, storage systems, and broadcasting to improve reliability in noisy or lossy channels. Common FEC codes include Reed-Solomon, Turbo codes, and Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes.
Developers should learn FEC when building systems that require high data integrity over unreliable networks, such as wireless communications, satellite links, or deep-space transmissions. It is essential in applications like video streaming (e.g., DVB, ATSC standards), data storage (e.g., RAID, QR codes), and real-time protocols where retransmissions are impractical due to latency constraints.