On Zero Skip-Cost Generalized Fractional-Repetition Codes from Covering Designs

We study generalized fractional repetition codes that have zero skip cost, and which are based on covering designs. We show that a zero skip cost is always attainable, perhaps at a price of an expansion factor compared with the optimal size of fractional repetition codes based on Steiner systems. We provide three constructions, as well as show non-constructively, that no expansion is needed for all codes based on sufficiently large covering systems.