Apparatus and method for using an error correcting code to achieve data compression in a data communication network

摘要

An apparatus and method for using an error correcting code to achieve data compression in a data communication network is disclosed. Data compression is achieved by performing an error correction encoding operation on input data. Data compression is further achieved by providing, for transmission across a communication channel, compressed data that is representative of the input data. The compressed data preferably includes error correction information produced by the error correction encoding operation. The compressed data requires less transmission channel capacity than does the input data.