Christmas tree packet

from Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)

Christmas tree packet
 n.

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

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

Christmas tree packet
kamikaze 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}]

   (1994-11-09)