Disclosed herein is a method of generating an encoded data packet over GF(2). The method comprises determining 303 a plurality of data packets in dependence on a Latin rectangle, wherein the plurality of data packets have equal length; and generating 305 an encoded data packet by bitwise XORing the determined plurality of data packets. The efficiency of encoding, decoding, and transmission over a network of data packets are all improved, as well as the security properties of the transmitted information.