Data compression for disc files and communication networks

Data compression has suddenly become big business. Software packages or plug in modules can now more than double the storage capacity in disc drives while the new CCITT V.42bis standard can double the transmission speed in modems. Soon inexpensive chip sets will become a standard utility in most personal computer or communications networks. These chips may combine the highest compression ratios with optional unbreakable data encryption at a speed of more than 10 million characters per second. This may open additional markets for high speed communications networks such as: ISDN, LANs, WANs or wireless networks. The optional encryption feature will guarantee absolute communications security even for open wireless networks. This paper provides a toolbox of ideas, from basic concepts to the latest implementations, to help in the design of custom data compression systems.