Modern 5G communication systems implement a combination of error correction and feedback-based erasure correction (HARQ/ARQ) as reliability mechanisms, which can introduce substantial delay and resource inefficiency. We propose forward erasure correction using network coding as a more delay-efficient alternative. We present a mathematical characterization of network delay for existing reliability mechanisms and network coding. Through simulations in a network slicing environment, we demonstrate that network coding not only improves the inorder delivery delay and goodput for the applications utilizing the slice, but also benefits other applications sharing the network by reducing resource utilization for the coded slice. Our analysis and characterization point towards ideas that require attention in the 6G standardization process. These findings highlight the need for greater modularity in protocol stack design that enables the integration of novel technologies in future wireless networks.

This work presents the design and implementation of a real-time network coding system integrated into the IP layer of a 5G testbed, offering an alternative to conventional retransmission-based reliability mechanisms such as ARQ and HARQ. Using a netfilter-based packet interception framework, we inject forward erasure correction using Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC) into live traffic between a gNB and UE over a 3GPP RF link. We evaluate a block coding scheme, analyzing its impact on throughput, jitter, and resource usage. Results show that with appropriate code rate selection, RLNC can fully recover from packet losses using fewer transmissions than ARQ/HARQ and maintain a high throughput, particularly under moderate-to-high packet loss rates. These findings demonstrate that network coding can effectively replace retransmission-based reliability in future wireless systems, with the potential for more efficient resource utilization.