Accelerated sockets

A method for data communications between computers connected to a computer network, the method comprising:

• receiving a plurality of data packets that were sent by a first computer to a second computer over the computer network;
• detecting a bit in one data packet amongst the plurality of data packets that indicates the one data packet is a last packet before a break;
• sending an acknowledgement message from the second computer that confirms receipt of the one data packet with the bit set therein at the second computer;
• and
• sending an advertisement from the second computer concurrently with the acknowledgement message, the advertisement being in response to the one data packet and the advertisement indicating available storage space in the second computer.

A network interface controller (NIC) operable to establish a network connection between computers connected to a computer network, the NIC comprising:

• a transmitter circuit configured to transmit a plurality of data packets from a first computer to a second computer over the computer network;
• and
• a processor configured to set a bit in one data packet amongst the plurality of data packets to indicate the one data packet is a last packet before a break;
• the processor configured to detect an acknowledgement message that confirms receipt of the one data packet with the bit set therein;
• and
• the processor configured to detect an advertisement that was sent concurrently with the acknowledgement message, the advertisement being in response to the one data packet and the advertisement indicating available storage at the second computer.

A network interface controller (NIC) operable to establish a network connection between computers connected to a computer network, the NIC comprising:

• a receiver circuit configured to receive a plurality of data packets that were sent by a first computer to a second computer over the computer network;
• and
• a processor configured to detect a bit in one data packet amongst the plurality of data packets that indicates the one data packet is a last packet before a break;
• the processor configured to send an acknowledgement message that confirms receipt of the one data packet with the bit set therein;
• and
• the processor configured to send an advertisement concurrently with the acknowledgement message, the advertisement being in response to the one data packet and the advertisement indicating available storage.