[Licensing negotiation in progress]

[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline: 19 January 2020]

We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “BATS Code Hardware Implementation” technology.  The innovation is developed by Professor YEUNG Wai Ho, Raymond, Professor of Department of Information Engineering of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 15/ENG/661).

The Technology

BATS code is a low-complexity Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC) scheme that can achieve asymptotic bandwidth optimality for many types of networks with packet loss. We proposed BATS code based network protocols and a FPGA design to evaluate the real performance. The basis of BATS code is well documented in published papers but its realization has several unsolved issues. As BATS code is based on the Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC), complexity issues prevent practical implementation for real systems. These issues include:

1) The computational cost of encoding and decoding at the source and sink nodes, respectively,

2) The storage and computational cost of network coding at the intermediate nodes, and

3) The overhead of coefficient vector computation.

Our design strategy set out in this application to resolve the above issues is to configure the application of network coding to small subsets of the input packets. This is a compromise between efficiency and effectiveness. Theoretical studies were carried out to identify the best number of packets. We propose a reconfigurable design to adapt to the transmission environment needs.

Commercialization

The technology is now available for licensing.  In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development.  In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society.  Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.

This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice.  We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.