Abstract: In a system and method for multi-byte data compression and decompression, previously received data bytes of uncompressed data are stored. The stored previously received data bytes are compared to currently received data bytes to determine whether at least one or more of the data bytes match at least one or more of the stored data bytes. An address of matching stored data bytes is generated. In data compression, a tree module is used for the storing, comparing and generation of addresses. An optimized operation order with parallel distribution of control and data signals, and a central control word register are used to obtain high speed compression. In data compression, a memory system is provided comprising a first RAM which stores even history buffer positions and a second RAM which stores odd history buffer positions.