Generic network protocol layer with supporting data structure

A generic protocol layer class (GPLC) having send and receive procedures and a common data buffer in which the sent or received data is placed and acted upon by each protocol layer implemented with the GPLC. Instead of copying the data packet passed to it by a higher or lower protocol layer implemented with the GPLC, a protocol layer implemented with the GPLC acts upon the common data buffer by moving a start pointer and an end pointer along the data contained in the common data buffer prior to its invoking of the next higher or lower protocol layer implemented.