Some consider it to be compression of the data payload that follows the IP header. However, because the IP header can be a significant number of bytes, header compression must work in conjunction with this form of payload compression for overall compression to be effective. This results in significant processor loading and increased packet delays. Superior data compression implementations allow the user to configure data compression at the virtual circuit level. For example, mixing compressed and uncompressed virtual circuits through one PCV in a Frame Relay environment may not be possible.
Compression ratios are the highest for data streams that contain homogeneous information.
Avoiding the multiplexing of various types of traffic by configuring separate compression channels for different virtual circuits can significantly improve compression ratios and increase dollar savings. External Data Compression Solutions External data compression devices are recommended when routers are required to connect to higher speed links. The reason for this is simple. Data compression is extremely processor intensive, with multi-channel payload data compression being the worst case. Most internally embedded compression software solutions can easily reduce the capacity of the existing host processor to execute other important tasks.