I'd like to note that you can use either type of packet header at will.
Personally, I like the old form of packet headers, as they simply denote a
1, 2, or 4-octet length, with no funny stuff. The "new" ones, though, are
useful for doing streaming.
There is a difference, in that the old headers only have 4 bits of opcode
for packet types. However, since we've eliminated the comment packet, we
fit into 4 bits. If we wanted room, we could always kill the marker packet
now, and look at reusing it for later. If we expect to have more packet
types, and we don't like the "new" header format, then we have a problem.
Jon
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Jon Callas jon(_at_)pgp(_dot_)com
CTO, Total Network Security 4200 Bohannon Drive
Network Associates, Inc. Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 473-2860
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