Robust Header Compression

Abstract: This document describes a method for compressing the headers of IP/UDP/RTP datagrams to reduce overhead on low-speed serial links. In many cases, all three headers can be compressed to 2-4 bytes.

Abstract: This document describes how to compress multiple IP headers and TCP and UDP headers per hop over point to point links. The methods can be applied to of IPv6 base and extension headers, IPv4 headers, TCP and UDP headers, and encapsulated IPv6 and IPv4 headers.

Abstract: This RFC defines a proposed standard protocol to support NetBIOS services in a TCP/IP environment. Both local network and internet operation are supported. Various node types are defined to accommodate local and internet topologies and to allow operation with or without the use of IP broadcast. This RFC describes the NetBIOS-over-TCP protocols in a general manner, emphasizing the underlying ideas and techniques. Detailed specifications are found in a companion RFC, "Protocol Standard For a NetBIOS Service on a TCP/UDP Transport: Detailed Specifications".

Abstract: A robust IP/UDP/RTP header compression mechanism is provided to correctly reconstruct IP/UDP/RTP headers in the presence of packet losses and errors of unreliable networks. The header compression mechanism may include a compressor/de-compressor implemented for operation similarly to RFC 2508 but designed specifically to address robustness when employed in lossy and error-prone networks. The robust header compression scheme requires that, when a second-order difference of a field is non-zero, not only a particular RTP packet whose second-order difference is non-zero is sent with the new first-order difference, but also those following packets are also sent with the new first-order difference as long as: (a) a period pre-determined by factors such as channel characteristics (e.g., link round-trip time RTT/inter-packet separation); or (b) a positive confirmation is received by the compressor that the new first-order difference has been correctly received. In addition, during a period of communicating with the new first-order difference, if the corresponding RTP field changes again with non-zero second-order difference, the “new” first-order difference is combined with the original first-order difference such that the two first-order differences may be appended together as a simple means of communicating the two first-order differences reliably.