Network processor services architecture that is platform and operating system independent

A system for providing a scalable processor and operating system independent network processor services architecture. The system includes a plurality of portable and individualized functional components representing particular segments of the control processor's device driver. The functional components, which include lower level and external APIs, carry out the various network processor functions such as the receipt and transfer of packets on the network, and other functions required by the control processor to communicate with and direct the network processor. The functional components are designed to be adaptable to the various types of processor architecture and operating systems available and to permit customers or developers to customize and expand the available network services.