A framework can be utilized with conventional networking components to enable those components to process packets of specific formats using conventional algorithms, such as algorithms for receive side coalescing (RCS) and TCP segmentation offloading (TSO). Format and flow information can be added to an opaque field or other portion of a packet, at an appropriate location or pre-configured offset. Placing information at a specific location or offset enables the networking hardware to quickly recognize a packet for processing. Packets can be segmented and coalesced using conventional algorithms on the networking hardware, enabling packets of various formats to be able to take advantage of various performance enhancements.