Network interface device and host processing device field

A network interface device comprising:

• an interface configured to receive data packets for a host processing device;
• and
• an engine configured in response to receiving of one or more data packets for the host processing device
• to generate an acknowledgement message, said acknowledgement message comprising an acknowledgment associated with said one or more data packets and control information determined by the host processing device and which is configured to be transmitted by the interface,
• to cause at least some of said one or more data packets to be available to said host processing device, and
• receive from said host device control information for providing in an acknowledgement message.

A method performed in a network interface device comprising:

• receiving one or more data packets for a host processing device;
• causing at least some of said one or more data packets to be available to a component, on said network interface device, of an application, said application being provided on said host processing device;
• causing said received one or more data packets to be delivered to a protocol stack of said host processing device;
• receiving from said protocol stack of the host processing device control information associated said with said one or more data packets;
• and
• outputting an acknowledgement message comprising said control information.