In an embodiment, a node comprises a packet scheduler configured to schedule a packet to be transmitted on the link, the packet comprising a command and associated packet data. Coupled to the packet scheduler and configured to transmit the packet on the link, and interface circuit is configured to generate error detection data covering the packet. The interface circuit is configured to transmit the error detection data covering the packet at an end of the packet, and is further configured to insert at least one partial error detection data within the packet. The partial error detection data covers a portion of the packet that precedes the partial error detection data. A receiver is configured to receive the data and forward the data based on partial CRC check.