Intelligent network interface system and method for accelerated protocol processing

A system for communication between a local host and a remote host that are connectable by a network, the system comprising:

• a communication processing device (CPD) that is integrated into the local host to connect the network and the local host, said CPD including hardware logic configured to process network packets, and
• a central processing unit (CPU) running protocol processing instructions in the local host to create a transport layer connection between the local host and the remote host, wherein said CPD and said CPU are configured such that a packet transferred between the network and the local host is processed by said CPD and not by said CPU when said CPD controls said connection.

A system for communication between a local host and a remote host that are connectable by a network, the system comprising:

• a central processing unit (CPU) disposed in the local host and running protocol processing instructions to create a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connection between the local host and the remote host, said CPU processing a first network packet corresponding to said connection;
• and
• a communication processing device (CPD) integrated into the local host and connected to the network, said CPD receiving control of said connection from said CPU, said CPD classifying a second network packet as corresponding to said connection and processing said second network packet without any processing of said second network packet by said CPU.