subject: Basic Overview Regarding Winsock Lsp [print this page] Winsock LSP is a program in the form of a DLL file which can be used whenever you want to run Winsock. The program is used for the intercepting of various functions when making connections in Winsock, as well as running tasks. You can specify these tasks in LSP so it knows which tasks to run and manage when you are using Winsock.
Much like this program, there are numerous technologies which could also be considered. However, these are not quite as versatile or offer the specific functions that LSP is capable of. Comparable technologies would be passthru, protocol, WFP, NDIS, and TDI.
This DLL program would most likely best be used by a developer that needs to work with stream level communications. Because LSP is already working at the user level, there is a TCP stream that is ready during use. This differs from NDIS and TDI because the developer would still have to create their own TCP stream in order to make use of these technologies.
LSP does not work on packet level yet. Because of this, any applications that might need inspection at the packet level should not use this program. Additionally, LSP cannot intercept any TDI communications that were created without the use of Winsock. This is another issue that needs to be changed in the future.
Of course, there are some issues that exist with LSP. This would apply to any program. These problems will vary based on the version of Windows that the user is running LSP on. In future releases of LSP, it is less likely that these issues would continue to be a problem.
For developers that are looking for a different approach for Winsock, the use of Winsock LSP can be a reasonable answer. This can add to the overall programming experience of the developer and allow them to focus more specifically. This program has a great amount of potential.
