Abstract: A NIC of a host system may provide batching services to enable reducing and/or optimizing overall system power consumption. Batching servicing may comprise buffering received packet within the NIC for an extended period of time—longer than buffering time during normal handling of received packets—based on determination that delaying handling of the received packet by the host system is permitted. Delaying handling of received packets may enable at least one component of the host system, such as a processor, utilized during that handling to remain in power saving states. The received packet may comprise a broadcast ARP packet that does not require a response from the host system. Packets buffered in the NIC may be forwarded to the host system when one or more flushing conditions occur. Flushing conditions may comprise reception of unicast packets destined for the host system or broadcast packets requiring response from the host system.