An apparatus for enhancing packet communication is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an encoder configured to convert input data to a binary coded base system of an augmented code employing a base of an original code used for coding the input data, wherein the augmented code employs more symbols for coding than the original code, the encoder including: (1) an adder configured to add the input data to a multiplication product to generate a base sum that is binary-coded in the augmented code, (2) a multiplier configured to multiply an accumulated value by a base of the original code to provide the multiplication product that is binary-coded in the augmented code, and (3) an accumulator configured to employ the base sum to provide an accumulated value as an output for the encoder, wherein the accumulated value is binary-coded in the augmented code to represent the input data.