Connecting Multiple-unicast and Network Error Correction: Reduction and Unachievability

Abstract: We show that solving a multiple-unicast network coding problem can be reduced to solving a single-unicast network error correction problem, where an adversary may jam at most a single edge in the network. Specifically, we present an efficient reduction that maps a multiple-unicast network coding instance to a network error correction instance while preserving feasibility. The reduction holds for both the zero probability of error model and the vanishing probability of error model. Previous reductions are restricted to the zero-error case. As an application of the reduction, we present a constructive example showing that the single-unicast network error correction capacity may not be achievable, a result of separate interest.