Implementing efficient encoders and decoders for network data representations

The task of encoding complex data structures for network transmission is more expensive is terms of processor time and memory usage than most other components of the protocol stack. This problem can be partially addressed by simplifying the network data encoding rules and streamlining their implementation. The authors examine the performance of four network data representation standards: ASN.1 Basic Encoding Rules (BER) and Packed Encoding Rules (PER), Sun Microsystems' External Data Representation (XDR), and Apollo Computer's Network Data Representation (NDR). It is found that the areas crucial to efficient encoder and decoder implementations are memory management, buffer management, and the overall simplicity of the encoding rules. It is shown that it is possible to implement ASN.1 BER and PER encoders and decoders that are as fast as their corresponding XDR versions.<>