.NET Patterns: Architecture, Design, and Process

Abstract Packet Pattern

Intent

Provide an abstract container used to pass parameters to any objects within a framework. This will also serve to package discrete parameters into a single and more efficient data-marshaling package.

Problem

Whether you are working with Web services or any publicly available business function, eliminating unnecessary data traffic is important. Most server-based services will take a variety of parameters to perform any one business function. Variables anywhere from strings to bytes to arrays will need to be passed to these business services, and they should be passed in the most efficient manner. Most object-oriented designs call for some form of encapsulation. This may be data objects providing “accessors” (getters) ...