Abstract: Disclosed is a transmit media access controller having a transmit interface unit configured to receive packet data, transfer control signals and control information from an upper layer. The transmit media access controller also includes a transmit controller for processing the packet data based on the control information received from the upper layer. The transmit control block is bi-directionally coupled to the transmit interface unit. While the packet data is being processed, new control information may be received by the in communication with the transmit controller. The transmit media access controller further includes an interface unit configured to receive packet data from the transmit cyclic redundancy check unit before being transmitted to a physical layer.