Abstract: Provided are techniques for processing a data segment by stripping a header from a transport layer segment, performing protocol data unit detection to determine data for a protocol segment that is part of the transport layer segment data, and performing marker validation and stripping. Also provided are techniques for processing a data segment in which a header portion of a protocol data unit is received. A number of bytes of data to be stored in an application space is determined using the received header portion. Also, a next header portion of a next protocol data unit is determined using the received header portion. Then, a peek command is issued to obtain the next header portion. Additionally provided are techniques for performing cyclic redundancy checks using a stored partial cyclic redundancy check digest and residual data.