CONTROLLER INTEGRATION

Roughly described, a data processing system comprises a central processing unit and a split network interface functionality, the split network interface functionality comprising: a first sub-unit collocated with the central processing unit and configured to at least partially form a series of network data packets for transmission to a network endpoint by generating data link layer information for each of those packets; and a second sub-unit external to the central processing unit and coupled to the central processing unit via an interconnect, the second sub-unit being configured to physically signal the series of network data packets over a network.