Performance comparison of ASN.1 encoder/decoders using FTAM

Abstract Syntax Notation-One (ASN.1) is a standard external data representation language used to define messages of application layer protocols. Its encoding rules, the Basic Encoding Rules (BER), are also international standards that define the encoding/decoding of data values into/from a transfer syntax. Various approaches to automating BER encoding/decoding are examined; in particular, two widely used software packages (ISODE and CASN 1) are studied. A hardware BER encoder/decoder called VASN 1 is presented. Performance of software and hardware approaches are evaluated on real instances of file transfer using a standard FTAM protocol. Benchmarks obtained from running CASN 1 on one of the fastest workstations and from running VHDL simulations of VASN 1 indicate the superiority of the hardware approach.