This Recommendation defines a byte-level data encoding protocol for representing data items and data groups. This protocol defines a data structure which is independent of the application or transportation method used. The Recommendation defines a key-length-value (KLV) triplet as a data interchange protocol for data items or data groups where the Key identifies the data@ the Length specifies the length of the data and the Value is the data itself. The KLV protocol provides a common interchange point for all compliant applications irrespective of the method of implementation or transport.