A method for network coding of packets between End Nodes (ENs) and a Relay Node (RN) in wireless communications can be performed at the RN. This method may include: receiving a new packet at the RN from one of the ENs; determining the source node of the new packet at the RN; providing a buffer for each EN; determining whether the buffer associated with the EN that is not the source of the new packet (non-source buffer) has the new packet buffered and based upon such determination, either: (1) storing the new packet in the EN buffer that is the source of the new packet on a condition that the non-source buffer is empty; or (2) network coding the new packet with an existing packet in the non-source buffer.