Retransmission softbit decoding

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and systems for using softbit decoding techniques in retransmission-based networks for error concealment of packets corrupted by bit-errors. The softbit decoding techniques derive softbit information from multiple corrupted hardbits of the retransmitted packet to aid a softbit decoder in decoding the packet. The approach realizes improved error concealment capability while maintaining a simple system architecture. A retransmission softbit module is inserted between a channel decoder used for channel-decoding and demodulating a compressed packet and the softbit decoder. The retransmission softbit module may derive an accumulated softbit packet from multiple corrupted copies of the packet received from the channel decoder, make bit decisions based on the accumulated softbit packet, and derive reliability information for the bit decisions. The bit decisions may be a majority decision packet (MDP) created using a majority voting scheme. The reliability information and the MDP may be provided to the softbit decoder for decoding.