Directly providing data messages to a protocol layer

Abstract

In one embodiment, the present invention provides for a layered communication protocol for a serial link, in which a link layer is to receive and forward a message to a protocol layer coupled to the link layer with a minimal amount of buffering and without maintenance of a single resource buffer for adaptive credit pools where all message classes are able to consume credits. By performing a message decode, the link layer is able to steer non-data messages and data messages to separate structures within the protocol layer. Credit accounting for each message type can be handled independently where the link layer is able to return credits immediately for non-data messages. In turn, the protocol layer includes a shared buffer to store all data messages received from the link layer and return credits to the link layer for these messages when the data is removed from the shared buffer. Other embodiments are described and claimed.