Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting packetized data objects in a system prone to the loss of individual data cells during transmission reduces the number of times a group of data cells must be re-transmitted. Failed attempts to transmit data cell groups upstream are buffered and individual, successfully transmitted cells are identified. After each failed transmission, all subsequent transmissions are reviewed to determine if, using all the failed transmissions together, a single complete data cell set can be obtained and the data object reassembled. Consequently, the data object is completely received and reassembled more quickly than if a single complete transmission of all cells in the group is required.