A comparison tool between two ASN.1 specifications

ASN.1 (Abstract Syntax Notation number One) is a standardized formal notation used to describe data exchanged between heterogeneous systems. An ASN.1 specification consists of modules which break down into formal definitions. When a protocol is updated, a new version of its ASN. 1 specification is produced. To keep interoperability between applications which support different versions of the same protocol, the specifier has to ensure that the new modules are compatible with the old ones. Our comparator, based on a complete formalization of comparison rules, can indicate the potential incompatibilities between ASN. 1:1997 specifications.