Methods and apparatus for improving security while transmitting a data packet

An apparatus for transmitting a data packet, comprising:

• a storage device;
• and
• packet parsing logic coupled to the storage device;
• wherein the apparatus is adapted to:
• for each connection from which a data packet is transmitted, store header data corresponding to the connection in the storage device;
• receive a packet whose header and payload data are formed by a user application, wherein the user application is associated with a connection from which the packet is to be transmitted;
• and
• while transmitting the packet, using the packet parsing logic to compare one or more portions of the packet header data with the header data corresponding to the connection with which the user application is associated.

A system, comprising:

• a processor adapted to execute one or more user applications;
• and
• an apparatus for transmitting a data packet, coupled to the processor, and having:
• a storage device;
• and
• packet parsing logic coupled to the storage device;
• wherein the system is adapted to:
• for each connection from which a data packet is transmitted, store header data corresponding to the connection in the storage device;
• employ a user application to form header and payload data of a packet, wherein the user application is associated with a connection from which the packet is to be transmitted;
• and
• while transmitting the packet, use the packet parsing logic to compare one or more portions of the packet header data with the header data corresponding to the connection with which the user application is associated.