1. In a computer capable of interoperating with a network, a method for transferring a plurality of data packets between a link layer device driver and a transport layer driver via an abstract interface therebetween, wherein the transfer of said plurality of data packets occurs without transmitting an individual receive packet request for each data packet thereby reducing undesirable intermittent interruptions in processing, said method comprising the acts of: a physical device associated with the computer receiving a plurality of data packets from the network; said link layer device driver transmitting to said abstract interface a single receive request to transfer said plurality of data packets, said single receive request comprising all information needed by said transport layer driver to access said plurality of data packets; and in response to said single receive request, said abstract interface mediating a transfer of said plurality of data packets to said computer via said transport layer driver.