Definition and Visualization of Protocols in Computer Networks

This paper addresses the issue of network protocol design, definition, and visualization. A novel design tool for visualizing network protocols is introduced. Its implementation is described along the formalisms employed. The paper compares protocol headers as part of the analysis, highlighting unique cases found in the header fields. In addition, it discusses the formal description of protocols and compares current approaches, description languages, and their associated challenges. The implementation proposal outlines the tool’s architecture and potential for future enhancements. It also proposes a method of persistent data storage for exported protocols visualized in SVG, incorporating nested XML metadata to store both protocol definition and visualization within a single file. For this purpose, an XML schema for defining network protocols and a rendering method for SVG visualization are presented. Furthermore, the tool was implemented and released as an open-source project.