Experience with the Abstract Syntax Notation One and the Basic Encoding Rules

The authors discuss their experience in implementing an Abstract Syntax Notation One compiler, ASN.1 is a descriptive notation used to define the informational content of the OSI upper layer protocols. The Basic Encoding Rules are a transfer syntax that may be applied to instances of ASN.1. Collectively, these two protocols solve the disparate data representation problem within an OSI network. The authors describe the purpose and basic features of both ASN.1 and BER, their theoretical disposition within the OSI Reference Model, their practical application that includes the details of this implementation, and finally some insights into the protocols themselves is offered.<>