1. A method comprising: using execution of descriptors in a processor-based machine to control direct memory access communications; and using data from a given descriptor of the descriptors to control repeated executions of at least one of the descriptors to control branching of descriptor execution among execution paths, wherein using the data comprises: using a loop counter to regulate a number of the repeated executions of at least one of the descriptors using a first execution path of the execution paths and using a first interpretation of a linking parameter to define an order in which at least some of the descriptors are executed using the first execution path; and using a second interpretation of the linking parameter to cause the descriptor execution along a second execution path of the execution paths in response to the loop counter indicating expiration of the number of repeated executions.