What is the purpose of Forward Error Correction?

Forward Error Correction (FEC) plays a crucial role in digital communication systems. Its primary purpose is to enhance the reliability of data transmission by incorporating redundancy through the addition of extra bits. These redundant bits are strategically added to the original data stream, enabling the receiver to detect and correct errors that may occur during transmission without the need for retransmission.

When data is sent over a communication channel, it can be susceptible to errors caused by factors such as noise or interference. With FEC, the system is capable of correcting these errors based on the additional information included in the transmission. This ability to correct errors on-the-fly improves the overall integrity and quality of the communication.

In comparison to increasing data speed, data compression, or filtering noise, FEC specifically addresses the challenge of error correction, making it vital for maintaining robust and efficient data communications in challenging environments.