A method of operating a wireless ad hoc network includes configuring an intermediate device with a first linear network code corresponding to a first source device and a second linear network code corresponding to a second source device. The intermediate device is on communication paths from the first source device and the second source device to a plurality of destination devices. The intermediate device receives packet data from either the first source device or from the second source device, and determines whether to apply the first linear network code or the second linear network code to the packet data. The intermediate device generates outgoing packet data and sends the packet data to at least one destination device of the plurality of destination devices using either the first linear network code or the second linear network code.