A method for encoding network data, such as Internet Protocol (IP) data, into a format for transmission over a satellite system is described. The network data is configured in a packet having a data block and header information. The network data packet is encoded into a variable-length multi-packet transport (MPT) frame. The MPT frame comprises a data frame to hold data and header information. The IP packet in inserted its entirety into the data frame of the MPT frame. The variable-length MTP frame is then encoded into one or more fixed-length MTP packets. Each MPT packet has a data fragment block comprising a portion of the MTP frame and associated header information to designate what portion of the MTP frame is contained in the data fragment block.