Devices and methods for network-coded and caching-aided content distribution

A method for transmitting data files in a network includes receiving requests from destination devices for packets of the data files. The method includes constructing a conflict graph such that (i) each packet requested by each destination device is represented by a distinct vertex in a plurality of vertices of the conflict graph, (ii) the plurality of vertices are associated with the destination devices, and (iii) links are created between the plurality of vertices based on which of the plurality of vertices represent a same requested packet and which requested packets are stored in caches belonging to destination devices. The method includes assigning the plurality of vertices to groups based on the links. The method includes coloring the plurality of vertices based on the assigning. The method includes combining the packets represented by vertices having a same color. The method includes sending the combined packets.