  Modern communications have moved away from point-to-point models to
increasingly heterogeneous network models. In this article, we propose a novel
controller-based protocol to deploy adaptive causal network coding in
heterogeneous and highly-meshed communication networks. Specifically, we
consider using Software-Defined-Network (SDN) as the main controller. We first
present an architecture for the highly-meshed heterogeneous multi-source
multi-destination networks that represents the practical communication networks
encountered in the fifth generation of wireless networks (5G) and beyond. Next,
we present a promising solution to deploy network coding over the new
architecture. In fact, we investigate how to generalize adaptive and causal
random linear network coding (AC-RLNC), proposed for multipath multi-hop
(MP-MH) communication channels, to a protocol for the new multi-source
multi-destination network architecture using controller. To this end, we
present a modularized implementation of AC-RLNC solution where the modules work
together in a distributed fashion and perform the AC-RLNC technology. We also
present a new controller-based setting through which the network coding modules
can communicate and can attain their required information. Finally, we briefly
discuss how the proposed architecture and network coding solution provide a
good opportunity for future technologies, e.g., distributed coded computation
and storage, mmWave communication environments, and innovative and efficient
security features.
