Christmas tree packet

<networking>

(Or kamikaze packet) A packet with every single option set for whatever protocol is in use. The term doubtless derives from a fanciful image of each little option bit being represented by a different-coloured light bulb, all turned on.

RFC 1025, "TCP and IP Bake Off" says:

10 points for correctly being able to process a "Kamikaze" packet (AKA nastygram, Christmas tree packet, lamp test segment, et al.). That is, correctly handle a segment with the maximum combination of features at once (e.g. a SYN URG PUSH FIN segment with options and data).

Compare: Chernobyl packet.

[Jargon File]

Last updated: 1994-11-09

Nearby terms:

Christmas tree ♦ Christmas tree packet ♦ Christopher Strachey ♦ chromatic number

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