Receive processing with network protocol bypass

A method for transferring data on a network from a data source to an end station executing a multi-layer network protocol through a network interface on the end station, including medium access control layer processes, comprising:

• establishing a connection with a destination for a session according to a network protocol;
• transmitting a request for transfer of a block of data from the data source, and providing a flow specification and an identifier of a target buffer to the network interface;
• receiving in the network interface a plurality of packets which carry respective data payloads, packets in the plurality of packets including control fields identifying whether the packet falls within the flow specification of the block of data,
• upon receiving a packet, determining in the network interface whether the packet falls within the flow specification, and if so transferring the data payload to the target buffer.

A method for transferring data on a network from a data source to an end station executing a TCP/IP network protocol through a network interface on the end station including medium access control layer processes below TCP/IP, comprising:

• establishing a connection with a destination for a session according to the TCP/IP network protocol;
• transmitting a request from a application, for transfer of a block of data from the data source, and providing a flow specification for the block of data and an identifier of a target buffer to the network interface;
• receiving in the network interface a plurality of packets which carry respective data payloads from the block of data in the data source, and each packet in the plurality of packets including a TCP/IP header,
• upon receiving each packet, determining in the network interface whether the packet falls within the flow specification, and if so transferring a data payload to the target buffer.