A method for data encoding and associated decoding is based on the concept of batches that allows transmission of a large data file from a source node to multiple destination nodes through communication networks that may employ network coding wherein sparse matrix codes are employed in a network setting. A batch is a set of packets generated by a subset of the input packets using sparse matrix encoder. A sparse matrix encoder can be called repeatedly to generate multiple batches. The batches are generally independent of one another. During the transmission in a communication network, network coding can be applied to packets belonging to the same batch to improve the multicast throughput. A decoder recovers all or at least a fixed fraction of the input packets using received batches. The input packets can be pre-coded using a pre-code before applying sparse matrix codes. The data file can then be reconstructed by further decoding the pre-code.