One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for processing packets transmitted within a network in accordance with a network protocol. The technique includes determining a first expected length of a value field included in a type-length-value (TLV) element within a first frame of a first packet received over the network, wherein the first expected length is based on a type field included in the TLV element. The technique also includes processing a first portion of the value field based on the expected length of the value field in accordance with a first specification for a first version of the network protocol, without processing a second portion of the value field beyond the expected length of the value field.