Abstract: An encoding module generates metadata descriptions for unique combinations of subset of fields of data structures that define for the receiver how to decode data in the corresponding subset of fields of that data structure included in messages; generates a unique metadata description identification for each different metadata description; includes metadata descriptions in the messages as well as the corresponding metadata description identifications when the receiver has not previously received those metadata descriptions.

Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging data in a distributed system with constrained resources without symmetric metadata knowledge between senders and receivers. The sender includes an encoding module, which when encoding messages for a receiver, is operative to perform the following: generate metadata descriptions for unique combinations of subset of fields of data structures, where each metadata description defines for the receiver how to decode data in the corresponding subset of fields of that data structure included in messages and does not include the data currently in those corresponding subset of field; generate a unique metadata description identification for each different metadata description; include metadata descriptions in the messages as well as the corresponding metadata description identifications to the receiver that has not previously received those metadata descriptions, whereby the messages are encoded without per field overhead.